This statement has been superceded by a Green-top guideline: Female genital mutilation and its management (Green-top 53).
Your attention is drawn to the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 which came into force on 3 March 2004. It replaces the 1985 Act and makes it an offence for the first time for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to carry out FGM abroad, or to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad, even in countries where the practice is legal. It can be accessed at: www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/20030031.htm.
