2025 Iowa Code
Title XVI - CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
Chapter 708 - ASSAULT
Section 708.16 - Female genital mutilation.
708.16 Female genital mutilation.
1. Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, a person who knowingly circumcises, excises, or infibulates, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris of a minor commits a class "D" felony.
2. A surgical procedure is not a violation of subsection 1 if the procedure is performed by a medical professional who holds a current license in this state necessary to perform the surgical procedure under any of the following circumstances:
a. When necessary to protect the health of the minor on whom the procedure is performed.
b. When performed on a minor who is in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth.
3. In determining whether a surgical procedure performed pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph "a", is a violation of subsection 1, consideration shall not be given to any belief the minor or any other person holds that the surgical procedure is required based on custom or ritual.
4. A person who knowingly transports a minor within or outside of this state for the purpose of performing a procedure that would be a violation of subsection 1 if the procedure occurred in this state, commits a class "D" felony. 2019 Acts, ch 47, ยง1
