Aiming for Alaska: The Struggle to Pass Legislation to Protect Children from Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Alaska
Alaska is one of nine states remaining in the United States (U.S.) that have yet to pass laws for the prevention and protection of survivors and/or at-risk individuals from female genital cutting (FGC). However, past attempts to pass legislation in the state have been made. Though we are unsure of what circumstances led to these […]
Mississippi is Missing Key Legislation: The Struggle to Pass Legislation Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the State
Mississippi is one of nine states left in the United States that have not yet passed any laws to prevent and protect survivors and at-risk individuals from female genital cutting (FGC). Within the state, 442 girls and women are estimated to have undergone or are at risk of undergoing FGC. Two attempts have been made […]
The History of Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Nebraska
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful social norm involving the partial or total removal of female-assigned external genitalia or other injury to the female-assigned genital organs for non-medical reasons. Globally, over 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM/C. FGM/C has a long history in the United States, and currently, over half a million […]
The History of Legislation Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in New Mexico
Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a harmful social norm involving the partial or total removal of female-assigned external genitalia or other injury to the female-assigned genital organs for non-medical reasons. Globally, over 230 million girls and women have undergone FGM/C. FGM/C has a long history in the United States, and currently, over half a million […]
Connecticut Bill Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting, Senate Bill 1438, Fails to be Raised for a Vote
By: Juliet Shires At the beginning of the 2025 legislative session, passing a bill in Connecticut (CT) protecting children from female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) seemed promising. “An Act Prohibiting Female Genital Mutilation” (SB 1438) marked the first time a bill was raised in the past five years of advocacy by the Connecticut Coalition to End […]
Complicated Attempts in Alabama: Struggles to Address Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Through Legislation
Alabama is one of nine remaining states in the United States that do not currently have laws to prevent and protect survivors and at-risk individuals from female genital cutting (FGC). Research by the Population Reference Bureau indicates that 1,480 girls and women in Alabama are at risk of undergoing FGC. Another more recent study released […]
One of Nine: Hawaii and the Struggle to Pass Legislation Addressing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
A 2023 research study by Sean Callaghan states that in Hawaii, 304 individuals are living with the consequences of female genital cutting (FGC), and 1,041 individuals are potentially at risk of FGC. Yet, Hawaii is still one of nine states remaining in the U.S. that have not passed laws to prevent and protect survivors and […]
Sahiyo Discusses x UNMUTED: Centering a Few to Echo the Many
By Elaina Baliner When we talk about female genital cutting (FGC), the number that always gets cited is 230 million. 230 million women and girls around the world who have undergone or are at risk of undergoing the practice. But behind that number are 230 million stories. 230 million voices. 230 million lives marked by […]
Continuing the Conversation: Reflecting on the June 2025 Roundtable on FGM/C in California
By Rachel Aguilar On June 27, 2025, Sahiyo, in partnership with Equality Now and the U.S. End FGM/C Network, hosted a roundtable discussion titled “FGM/C in California: Continuing the Conversation.” This roundtable built upon the October 2024 webinar, “Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in California – Past, Present, and Future,” and brought together advocates, survivors, service providers, […]
Reflecting on the webinar “Breaking the Cycle: Saying ‘No’ to Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting (FGM/C)”
By Priya Voetsch On May 29th, Sahiyo’s Programs and Events Coordinator, Samman Masud, and Program and Events Intern Priya Voetsch, moderated a webinar titled, “Breaking the Cycle: Saying ‘No’ to Female Genital Mutilation/ Cutting (FGM/C).” This webinar brought activists and advocates together to share their experiences and strategies for encouraging parents, families, and communities to […]