HB53 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Laura HallRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Crimes and offenses, crime of female genital mutilation established, criminal penalties provided

Summary

HB 53 creates the crime of female genital mutilation in Alabama, establishes penalties and professional licensing consequences, and allows medical exceptions with informed consent.

What This Bill Does

Defines female genital mutilation as partially or totally removing or injuring the genital organs of a female under 19 or who cannot consent, including listed procedures. Makes performing FGM, or allowing a guardian to authorize it, a Class B felony, and bans removing a minor from Alabama for the purpose of FGM. States that a minor cannot consent and rejects religious or cultural defenses, but allows medically necessary procedures with proper informed consent. Requires permanent revocation of professional licenses for those who perform or facilitate FGM and provides criminal and civil penalties; the act takes effect immediately and is designed to be exempt from local expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime.

Who It Affects

• Females under 19 or who are unable to consent, who are protected from FGM under this bill.
• Parents, legal guardians, or custodians who would authorize or direct someone to perform FGM on a minor.
• Licensed medical professionals (e.g., physicians, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, licensed midwives) who perform, participate in, or facilitate FGM and could face license/certification revocation.
• Individuals who remove a female from Alabama for the purpose of performing FGM.

Key Provisions

• Defines female genital mutilation as removing or injuring a female's genital organs before age 19 or when she cannot consent, including specific procedures.
• Classifies the act of performing FGM or allowing/authorizing it by a guardian as a Class B felony; also makes removing a minor from the state for FGM a crime.
• Declares that a minor cannot legally consent to FGM and that religious/cultural justifications are not defenses; allows medical procedures only with informed consent under certain health-related conditions or during labor/birth.
• Requires permanent revocation of professional licenses/certifications for those who perform or facilitate FGM.
• Provides criminal and civil penalties for FGM and related acts; takes effect immediately.
• Excludes changes to certain medical liability laws and indicates the bill is exempt from local expenditure requirements under Amendment 621 because it defines a new crime.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses