- Latest available (Revised)
- Original (As enacted)
This is the original version (as it was originally enacted).
(1)A person who performs an action mentioned in subsection (2) in relation to the whole or any part of the labia majora, labia minora, prepuce of the clitoris, clitoris or vagina of another person is guilty of an offence.
(2)Those actions are—
(a)excising it;
(b)infibulating it; or
(c)otherwise mutilating it.
(3)No offence under subsection (1) is committed by an approved person who performs an action mentioned in subsection (4).
(4)Those actions are—
(a)a surgical operation on another person which is necessary for that other person’s physical or mental health; or
(b)a surgical operation on another person who is in any stage of labour or has just given birth, for purposes connected with the labour or birth.
(5)The following are, for the purposes of this Act, approved persons—
(a)in relation to an action falling within paragraph (a) of subsection (4), a registered medical practitioner;
(b)in relation to an action falling within paragraph (b) of that subsection, a registered medical practitioner, a registered midwife or a person undergoing a course of training with a view to becoming such a practitioner or midwife.
(6)For the purposes of determining whether an operation is necessary for the mental health of a person, it is immaterial whether that or any other person believes that the operation is required as a matter of custom or ritual.
Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.
Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.
Text created by the Scottish Government to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified. Explanatory Notes were introduced in 1999 and accompany all Acts of the Scottish Parliament except those which result from Budget Bills.
Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:
Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including: