Vermont § 3151 - Female genital mutilation or cutting prohibited
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 3151 — Female genital mutilation or cutting prohibited, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3151. Female genital mutilation or cutting prohibited
- (a) Definitions. As used in this section: (1) “Health care professional” means an individual, partnership, corporation, facility,
or institution licensed or certified or authorized by law to provide professional
health care services. (2) “Midwife” means a midwife licensed pursuant to 26 V.S.A. chapter 85. (b) Female genital mutilation or cutting prohibited. Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, no person shall: (1) Knowingly circumcise, excise, or infibulate the whole or any part of the labia majora
or labia minora or clitoris of another person who has not attained 18 years of age. (2) Knowingly incise, prick, scrape, or cauterize any part of the labia majora or labia
minora or clitoris of another person who has not attained 18 years of age. (c) Exceptions. A medical procedure is not a violation of this section if it is: (1) necessary to the health of the person on whom it is performed and is performed by
a health care professional; or (2) performed on a person in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical
purposes connected with that labor or birth by a health care professional, midwife,
or person in training to become a health care professional or midwife. (d) Defense. It is not a defense to a charge under this section that the person on whom the procedure
is performed, or any other person, believes that the procedure is required as a matter
of custom or ritual or that the person on whom the procedure is performed, or that
person’s parent or guardian, consented to the procedure. (e) Transportation prohibited. A person shall not knowingly transport a person into or out of this State for the
purpose of conduct that would be a violation of this section. (f) Penalty. A person who violates subdivision (b)(2) of this section shall be imprisoned not more
than two years or fined not more than $500.00, or both. A person who violates subdivision
(b)(1) or subsection (e) of this section shall be imprisoned not more than 10 years
or fined not more than $20,000.00, or both. (Added 2019, No. 87 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Feb. 27, 2020.)
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 3151
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 3151 cover?
Section 3151 ("Female genital mutilation or cutting prohibited") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Vermont § 3151?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 3151" (Vermont). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 3151 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Vermont.