39-13-110 - Female genital mutilation. - Tennessee Statutes

39-13-110. Female genital mutilation.

(a)  Except as otherwise permitted in subsection (b), whoever knowingly circumcises, excises or infibulates, in whole or in part, the labia majora, labia minora or clitoris of another commits a Class D felony. Consent to the procedure by a minor on whom it is performed or by the minor's parent is not a defense to a violation of this section.

(b)  A surgical procedure is not a violation of subsection (a), if the procedure is:

     (1)  Necessary to the health of the person on whom it is performed and is performed by a licensed physician or physician-in-training under supervision of a licensed physician; or

     (2)  Performed on a person 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 or a physician-in-training under the supervision of a licensed physician.

[Acts 1996, ch. 857, § 2.]