HB170 Alabama 2022 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

High Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Rod Scott
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2022
Title: Crimes and offenses, crime of female genital mutilation established, criminal penalties provided
Summary: HB170 creates a new crime, the female genital mutilation offense, with penalties and specific exceptions for medical procedures.
What This Bill Does
It establishes the Dr. Groesbeck Parham Act, making it illegal to perform female genital mutilation on anyone under 19 or to permit, arrange, or transport a minor for the act, with violators facing a Class B felony. The bill defines FGM and includes non-medical procedures as covered. It provides exceptions for medically necessary procedures by licensed professionals and certain labor-related procedures, and it states that religious or parental consent is not a defense. The act takes effect immediately and is exempt from local-funding approval requirements because it creates a new crime rather than changing local law.

Who It Affects
Minors under 19 years old and their parents or guardians, who would be prohibited from performing, permitting, or arranging FGM and could be penalized if they are involved.
Healthcare professionals and medical facilities (e.g., licensed physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, licensed midwives) who perform or supervise medical procedures, due to defined medical exemptions and the prohibition overall.

Key Provisions
Creates the Dr. Groesbeck Parham Act to establish the crime of female genital mutilation (FGM).
Punishment: violators are guilty of a Class B felony.
FGM defined as removing, cutting, circumcising, excising, infibulating, or other harmful procedures on the genitalia of a person under 19; includes transporting a minor out of state for the act.
Exceptions: procedures necessary for health by a licensed physician at a licensed facility; labor-related procedures by a licensed physician, NP, CNM, or certified midwife.
Not a defense that the act is religious, customary, or that the person consented.
Minors under 19 cannot consent to FGM.
The bill does not alter standards of care or liability under the Alabama Medical Liability Act.
Effective immediately after governor's approval.
Exemption from Amendment 621 local-expenditure requirements because the bill 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