Indiana statute
Ind. Code § 35-42-2-10 — Female genital mutilation
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 2: Battery and Related Offenses, Indiana Code.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of Ind. Code § 35-42-2-10
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of Indiana.
Sec. 10. (a) As used in this section, "female genital mutilation" means any procedure that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or any harmful procedure to the female genitalia, including the following: (1) Clitoridectomy. (2) Partial or total removal of the clitoris or the prepuce. (3) Excision or the partial or total removal of the clitoris and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora. (4) Infibulation or the narrowing of the vaginal orifice with the creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora or the labia majora, with or without excision of the clitoris. (5) Pricking, incising, or scraping, and cauterizing the genital area. (6) Any other procedure intended to alter the structure or function of the female genitalia for nonmedical reasons. (b) A person who: (1) knowingly or intentionally performs the act of female genital mutilation on a child who is less than eighteen (18) years of age; (2) is a parent, guardian, or custodian of the child and consents to, permits, or facilitates an act described in subdivision (1) to be performed on the child; or (3) knowingly transports or facilitates the transportation of the child for the purpose of having an act described in subdivision (1) performed on the child; commits the offense of female genital mutilation, a Level 3 felony. (c) It is a defense to a prosecution described in this section that: (1) the person performing the act is a physician (as defined in IC 16-18-2-282 ) or a licensed health care professional (as defined in IC 16-18-2-162 ) and the act is within the scope of the person's license and official duties; or (2) the act is performed for medical purposes to preserve or protect the physical health of the child. (d) It is not a defense to a prosecution described in this section that: (1) the child or the child's parent, guardian, or custodian consented to the act described in subsection (b); or (2) the act described in subsection (b) is: (A) required by custom or is standard practice of a particular group; or (B) performed in connection with a religious ritual. (e) In addition to any criminal and civil penalties, a violation under this section shall result in the permanent revocation of the license of the physician or licensed health care professional. (f) A person who has reason to believe that a child may be a victim of female genital mutilation shall immediately make a report as required under IC 31-33-5 .
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is female genital mutilation a felony or a misdemeanor in Indiana?
Female genital mutilation is a Level 3 Felony in Indiana under Ind. Code § 35-42-2-10.
Which Indiana statute covers female genital mutilation?
Female genital mutilation is governed by Ind. Code § 35-42-2-10 (Female genital mutilation).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.