Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions — Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-601 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
§ 20–601LinkCopy Citation
In this subtitle, “female genital mutilation” means a procedure performed for nonmedical reasons that involves partial or total removal of or other injury to the external female genitalia, including:
(1)
A clitoridectomy or the partial or total removal of the clitoris, prepuce, or clitoral hood;
(2)
Excision or the partial or total removal, with or without excision of the clitoris, of the labia minora, with or without removal of the labia majora;
(3)
Infibulation or the narrowing of the vaginal opening, with or without excision of the clitoris; or
(4)
Any other procedure that is harmful to the external female genitalia, including pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, or cauterizing the genital area.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-602 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
§ 20–602LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in § 20–603 of this subtitle, a person may not:
(1)
Knowingly perform, attempt to perform, or conspire to perform female genital mutilation on an individual who is under the age of 18 years; or
(2)
Transport an individual who is under the age of 18 years out of the State for the purpose of performing or facilitating the performance of female genital mutilation on the individual.
(b)
Except as provided in § 20–603 of this subtitle, a parent, guardian, or other individual is guilty of female genital mutilation if the individual:
(1)
Is legally responsible and charged with the care or custody of a child under the age of 18 years; and
(2)
Knowingly consents to the performance of female genital mutilation on the child.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-603 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
§ 20–603LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A surgical operation is not a violation of this subtitle if the operation is necessary to the health of the individual on whom it is performed and is performed by a person licensed in the State as a medical practitioner.
(b)
In determining whether an operation is necessary to the health of the individual, no account may be taken of the belief on the part of any individual that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-604 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
§ 20–604LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A person who violates the provisions of this subtitle is guilty of a felony and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or a fine not exceeding $10,000 or both.
(b)
If an individual who holds a license issued under the Health Occupations Article is convicted of, enters a plea of guilty or of nolo contendere for, or receives probation before judgment for a violation of this subtitle, the applicable health occupations board shall revoke the license of the individual.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-605 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
§ 20–605LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A victim of female genital mutilation performed in violation of this subtitle may file an action in the circuit court in the county in which the violation occurred or the victim resides.
(b)
If the court finds that a person violated this subtitle, the court may award the plaintiff:
(1)
Actual damages;
(2)
Compensatory damages;
(3)
Punitive damages;
(4)
Reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, and litigation expenses, including expert witness fees and expenses; and
(5)
Any other appropriate relief.
(c)
An action brought under subsection (a) of this section shall be filed the later of:
(1)
Not more than 10 years after the date on which the violation occurred; or
(2)
The date on which the victim of the violation reaches 28 years of age.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-606 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
§ 20–606LinkCopy Citation
(a)
On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2027, the Department, in consultation with the Social Services Administration, State and local law enforcement agencies, and other appropriate government agencies and public and private organizations, shall submit a report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, containing de–identified and disaggregated data on the number of:
(1)
Reports of female genital mutilation submitted in accordance with § 5–704 of the Family Law Article;
(2)
Individuals prosecuted for a violation of this subtitle;
(3)
Individuals convicted of a violation of this subtitle;
(4)
Civil actions filed in accordance with this subtitle; and
(5)
Civil actions under this subtitle in which a judgment was entered, whether by settlement or adjudication.
(b)
The Department shall make the report required under subsection (a) of this section available to the public.
Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 20-607 (2026)
Title 20. Miscellaneous Health Provisions
Subtitle 6. Female Genital Mutilation
§ 20–607LinkCopy Citation
The Department, in collaboration with community–based organizations, shall:
(1)
Develop and publish culturally and linguistically appropriate educational materials on female genital mutilation, including:
(i)
The signs that an individual has been subjected to female genital mutilation;
(ii)
The physical and mental health risks caused by female genital mutilation; and
(iii)
The criminal penalties for a violation of this subtitle; and
(2)
Distribute the educational materials described under item (1) of this section to:
(i)
Health care providers;
(ii)
Law enforcement agencies;
(iii)
Schools;
(iv)
The public; and
(v)
Any other professional or community–based organizations that may work or interact with individuals who are at risk of female genital mutilation.