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Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a crime in Australia, both domestically and if performed on an Australian overseas. FGM is defined as any procedure that intentionally changes or injures female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The procedure causes serious and long-lasting health problems for victims and is considered a cultural tradition to help girls become adults. In 2019, it was estimated that 53,000 women and girls living in Australia had undergone FGM, with demand for the procedure potentially increasing due to the growing number of immigrants from countries where FGM is customary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| FGM illegal in Australia | Yes |
| FGM performed on Australians overseas | Illegal |
| FGM performed on Australians in Australia | Illegal |
| FGM rate among women and girls living in Australia but born in other countries | 452 per 1,000 or 45% |
| FGM rate among women and girls in Australia | 4.3 per 1,000 or 0.4% |
| Number of women and girls affected by FGM in Australia | 53,000 |
| Number of children with FGM seen by Australian paediatricians in the previous five years | 59 |
| Number of women with FGM seen annually by Melbourne Royal Women's Hospital | 600-700 |
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What You'll Learn
FGM is illegal in Australia in all its forms
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is illegal in Australia in all its forms. FGM is defined as any procedure that intentionally changes or injures the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. This can include any injury to, or removal of, external female genitalia. FGM is a crime in Australia, and it is also a crime if performed on an Australian overseas. All Australian states have laws prohibiting the practice, and penalties differ among states.
In 2019, Australia's High Court ruled that FGM is illegal in all its "various forms". This ruling alleviated the uncertainty and debate around the words "mutilation" and "clitoris", which had previously allowed convicted individuals to be acquitted of their crimes. The High Court's decision also stated that even "symbolic" FGM is illegal.
The issue of FGM has been a topic of discussion in Australia for several years, particularly due to the increasing number of people arriving from African nations where FGM is customary. In 2010, doctors and hospitals reported seeing female patients who had experienced FGM, and the Melbourne Royal Women's Hospital alone reported seeing between 600 and 700 affected women annually. An estimated 53,000 women and girls living in Australia have undergone FGM, according to data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. This includes women and girls born overseas and in Australia.
FGM is a serious issue that can cause significant health problems and long-lasting trauma for victims. It is important that Australia continues to take steps to eliminate this harmful practice and support those affected by it.
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FGM is illegal to perform on Australians overseas
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a crime in Australia. It is considered a crime not only when it is performed within Australia but also when performed on an Australian overseas. This means that Australian laws apply to acts of FGM overseas as well as domestically.
FGM is defined as any procedure that intentionally changes or injures the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization (WHO) is the authority on identifying and eliminating FGM and describes it as any procedure that involves injury to, or removal of, external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. The practice causes serious and long-lasting health problems for victims, including physical inability to have sex, difficulty passing menstrual blood, and pregnancy complications such as miscarriage and unsafe childbirth.
In Australia, FGM is illegal in all its various forms, including symbolic FGM. All Australian states have laws prohibiting the practice, with legislation that makes it illegal to perform the procedure on an Australian overseas. The penalties for FGM differ among states. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) also prohibits the performance of any type of FGM.
Despite the illegality of FGM in Australia, there have been reports of the procedure being performed on Australian citizens overseas. A report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that 53,000 women and girls living in Australia have undergone FGM, with the majority of these individuals being born overseas. Evidence suggests that some families have FGM performed on girls while they are visiting the country of their parents' birth.
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FGM is a crime punishable by law in Australia
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a crime punishable by law in Australia. FGM is defined as any procedure that intentionally changes or injures female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is a practice that causes significant health issues and has been recognised as a violation of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls. As such, FGM is illegal in Australia in all its forms, including symbolic mutilation.
In recognition of the increasing numbers of people migrating to Australia from countries where FGM is prevalent, Australian laws apply to acts of FGM committed both domestically and overseas. This means that it is a crime to perform FGM on any Australian citizen or resident overseas, regardless of where they are in the world. The Australian government has taken a strong stance against FGM, with all states implementing legislation to prohibit the practice.
The criminalisation of FGM in Australia sends a clear message that it is unacceptable and a serious violation of human rights. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 200 million girls and women worldwide have experienced some form of FGM, highlighting the global nature of this issue. While the rate of FGM in Australia is lower, it is still a relevant issue, with an estimated 53,000 women and girls in the country having undergone the procedure.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's report revealed that FGM is still being performed in Australia, with 2 out of 59 cases occurring within the country. This report underscores the importance of education and awareness among healthcare practitioners to identify and address FGM. Furthermore, the report highlights the potential risks associated with girls and women visiting countries where FGM is prevalent, as evidence suggests that some families may take advantage of these visits to perform the procedure.
The Australian government has taken steps to protect its citizens from FGM, both within its borders and abroad. It encourages anyone at risk of FGM or aware of someone at risk to contact the local police or emergency services for urgent assistance. This includes individuals who fear their family may take them overseas for FGM. By doing so, the Australian government reinforces its commitment to upholding the human rights and safety of its citizens, especially those vulnerable to this harmful practice.
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FGM is considered a cultural tradition in some countries
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a cultural tradition in some countries. It is a practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to female genital organs for cultural or non-medical reasons. FGM is often perceived as a rite of passage into adulthood and a prerequisite for marriage. It is believed to be a religious requirement by more than half of the girls and women in 4 out of 14 countries with available data, although it is not promoted or condoned by any religious text.
FGM is routinely carried out in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, and among the diaspora of those countries. It is also practiced in some countries in Latin America and Eastern Europe, as well as among immigrant populations in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. In these societies, FGM is deeply entrenched in cultural and traditional norms, and it is often believed to be necessary for a girl's well-being and purity.
The United Nations estimates that approximately 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM, with the practice being concentrated in 30 countries in Africa and the Middle East. The procedure can cause serious and long-lasting physical and mental health problems, including irregular periods, bladder issues, recurrent infections, sexual dysfunction, miscarriage, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Despite the prevalence of FGM in certain cultural traditions, it is important to note that it is a violation of human rights and a form of violence against women and girls. The United Nations Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee has approved a resolution calling upon states to implement legislation prohibiting traditional practices that harm the health of women and girls, including FGM.
In Australia, FGM is considered illegal and is punishable by law. Australian laws apply to acts of FGM committed both domestically and overseas, demonstrating a commitment to protecting girls and women from this harmful practice.
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FGM causes significant health issues for women
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is illegal in Australia. All Australian states have laws prohibiting the practice, and these laws also apply to acts of FGM committed overseas by Australian citizens or on Australians.
FGM is a harmful practice that interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies and has no health benefits. FGM causes significant and long-lasting health issues for women, including:
- Immediate health risks such as severe bleeding and problems urinating.
- Chronic infections such as cysts, abscesses, genital ulcers, and recurrent urinary tract infections, which can lead to severe complications if left untreated.
- Menstrual difficulties, including painful menstruation and difficulty passing menstrual blood.
- Sexual health problems due to damage to anatomic structures involved in female sexual function. This can lead to decreased sexual desire and pleasure, pain during sex, difficulty during penetration, decreased lubrication, and reduced sexual pleasure.
- Scarring and excessive scar tissue, which can cause pain, especially during sex, and lead to a lack of interest in sex and lower overall satisfaction.
- Infections, including genital abscesses, bacterial vaginosis, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV.
- Psychological problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and somatic complaints such as aches and pains with no organic cause.
- Pregnancy and childbirth complications, including miscarriage, difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, caesarean section, and an increased risk of newborn deaths.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 200 million girls and women alive today have experienced some type of FGM, and the treatment of health complications resulting from FGM costs health systems US$1.4 billion per year.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, FGM is illegal in Australia.
Yes, Australian laws apply to acts of female genital mutilation overseas as well as domestically.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is any procedure that intentionally changes or injures the female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Penalties differ largely among states in Australia. However, it is a crime and can lead to sentencing.
An estimated 53,000 women and girls living in Australia have undergone female genital mutilation.
