Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 780 – Female genital mutilation
(a) A person is guilty of female genital mutilation when:
(1) A person knowingly circumcises, excises or infibulates the whole or any part of the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris of a female minor; or
(2) A parent, guardian or other person legally responsible or charged with the care or custody of a female minor allows the circumcision, excision or infibulation, in whole or in part, of such minor’s labia majora, labia minora or clitoris.
Attorney's Note
Under the Delaware Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class E felony | up to 5 years |
Terms Used In Delaware Code Title 11 Sec. 780
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
(b) Female genital mutilation is a class E felony.
(c) It is not a defense to a violation that the conduct described in subsection (a) of this section above is required as a matter of custom, ritual or standard practice, or that the minor on whom it is performed or the minor’s parent or legal guardian consented to the procedure.
(d) A surgical procedure is not a violation of this section if the procedure is:
(1) Necessary to the health of the minor on whom it is performed and is performed by a licensed physician under § 1720 of Title 24 or a physician-in-training under the supervision of a licensed physician; or
(2) Performed on a minor who is in labor or who has just given birth and is performed for medical purposes connected with that labor or birth by a licensed physician under § 1720 of Title 24 or a physician-in-training under the supervision of a licensed physician, or a licensed midwife under § 3336 of Title 18.