The U.S. End FGM/C Network is dedicated to advocating for comprehensive, holistic policies that prohibit FGM/C and support survivors at the U.S. state, national, and international levels. We prioritize the voices of survivors and impacted communities to ensure their needs and experiences are at the forefront of our efforts. Our focus includes advocating for, strengthening, and implementing legislation at the state levels, safeguarding the federal law against FGM/C, and calling for increased funding worldwide. We actively collaborate with survivors, policymakers, coalitions, government agencies, donors, and international organizations to work collectively toward ending FGM/C in the United States and across the globe.
Through our global advocacy work, we help strengthen international collaboration and elevate the leadship of survivors and grassroot, frontline organizations working to end FGM/C. In partnership with the Global Platform for Action to End FGM/C, we convene stakeholders from across regions to build solidarity, foster cross-sector partnerships, and support locally led solutions. Our global priorities include amplifying the expertise of those most affected by FGM/C, sustaining momentum in the face of growing anti-rights movements, advancing research and evidence generation, and urging greater investment and accountability to close the funding gap and accelerate progress worlwide.
Our federal advocacy efforts have focused on strengthening FGM/C prevention, protection, and survivor support through the passage and implementation of the STOP FGM Act, increasing transparency and accountability through annual Attorney General reports, and fostering ongoing collaboration between federal agencies and civil society. More recently, we have educated policymakers on the harms of conflating FGM/C with gender-affirming care and advocated for evidence-based policies that protect bodily autonomy and uphold human rights.
The Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1995 was passed as part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, creating 18 U.S.C. § 116. This was the first time FGM/C was criminalized in the U.S. on minors.
The “Transport for Female Genital Mutilation Act” was passed, prohibiting “vacation cutting” for the purposes of FGM/C under federal law.
The U.S. End FGM/C Network began hosting biannual meetings between U.S. federal agencies and civil society to encourage coordination, information sharing, and collaboration on addressing FGM/C in the United States.
The Department of Justice announced the first-ever federal prosecution in the Michigan case, United States v. Nagarwala
The Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan ruled the 1996 federal FGM/C ban exceded Congress’s constitutional authority and dismissed the federal FGM/C charges in United States v. Nagarwala.
The Strengthening the Opposition to Female Genital Mutilation Act 2020, commonly known as the STOP FGM Act (HR 6100), was enacted into law, clarifying and amending the 1996 and 2013 FGM laws.
President Trump signed Executive Order 14187, “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” inaccurately claiming that gender-affirming care for trans youth is FGM/C.
Former Attorney General released a Department of Justice memo, “Preventing the Mutilation of American Children,” further conflating FGM/C and gender-affirming care for Trans, Nonbinary, and Intersex (TGNI) youth.
Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced H.R. 3492 to amend the federal anti-FGM/C law to ban gender-affirming care for TGNI youth.
H.R. 3492 is voted favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee.
H.R. 3492 passed the House and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Several amendments filed to the SAVE America Act (S. 1383) incorporated language from H.R. 3492, further advancing the harmful conflation of FGM/C and gender-affirming care in federal policymaking.
Local coalitions play a key role in pushing for policy changes, bringing together diverse groups such as community leaders and organizations to address the specific needs related to FGM/C. These partnerships amplify community voices, bridge gaps between communities and policymakers, and drive policies that reflect the diverse needs of those affected by FGM/C. Their significance lies in the ability to develop targeted, effective policies that address the unique challenges surrounding FGM/C.
Please contact us if you live or work in Alabama, Alaska, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, or New Mexico and would like to start a coalition in your state. These states do not have specific laws against FGM/C.
Ending FGM/C requires collective action. Whether you are a survivor, advocate, healthcare provider, researcher, policymaker, or community member, your voice can help drive meaningful change.
Get InvolvedThe U.S. End FGM/C Network utilizes calls to action and petitions to raise awareness, build momentum, and mobilize stakeholders to advance policies that prevent and respond to FGM/C at state, federal, and global levels. We encourage everyone to actively take part in the legislative process by submitting the forms below to advocate for FGM/C policy changes.
Current opportunities:
New advocacy opportunities are added throughout the year as legislation and policy developments arise. Check back regularly to learn about new ways to support efforts to end FGM/C.
For additional information about our policy and advocacy work, current action opportunities, or to get involved, please contact:
Kaitlin Mitchell
Policy and Advocacy Manager