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HB 1389

Public Health - Female Genital Mutilation

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jackie Addison and 28 co-sponsors

Maryland bill criminalizes female genital mutilation, establishing penalties while addressing prevention and victim support services to protect vulnerable populations from the practice.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 29
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Bill Summary · HB 1389

Legislative bill overview

HB 1389 addresses female genital mutilation (FGM) through Maryland's public health and criminal law framework. The bill typically criminalizes the practice, establishes penalties, and may include provisions for education, prevention, and victim support services.

Why is this important

FGM is recognized internationally as a human rights violation and health hazard that affects an estimated 200+ million girls and women globally, with cases documented in the U.S. This legislation protects vulnerable populations, particularly immigrant communities where the practice may occur, while signaling Maryland's stance on bodily autonomy and child protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Cultural sensitivity vs. legal enforcement: Balancing criminal penalties with community education and avoiding stereotyping of specific cultural or religious groups
  • Scope of criminalization: Whether the law addresses only severe forms or includes all modifications, and how it applies to medical procedures vs. traditional practices
  • Jurisdictional challenges: Difficulty enforcing laws when practices occur outside the U.S., affecting families who travel abroad or involve healthcare providers
  • Support for survivors: Whether adequate funding exists for counseling, medical care, and social services for affected individuals
  • Mandatory reporting requirements: Questions about who must report suspected cases and potential tensions with confidentiality in healthcare/education settings

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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