Urge the United States House of Representative, the United States Senate, and President Obama to pass the Girls Protection Act (H.R.2221). 

What is the Girls Protection Act?

The Girls Protection Act  (H.R.2221), sponsored by U.S. Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-NY 7),  would make it a crime to transport minors outside of the United States for the purpose of performing female genital mutilation (FGM), the destruction of the female genitalia.

What is Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)?

According to the World Health Organization, female genital mutilation (FGM) "comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons."  FGM affects nearly 170,000 girls and women in the United States, and 140 million around the world.

According to the National Organization of Women, FGM;

-".... is a practice that takes place in parts of Africa, some Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and in certain communities within North America and Europe. The procedure is customary in several cultures, and is perpetuated by a mixture of cultural, social, and religious beliefs. FGM is systematically forced upon women and girls anytime between infancy and marriage under varying justifications, including the enhancement of sexual pleasure for men and the preservation of family honor."

- "....procedures vary, but in some communities a variety of crude instruments are used, including knives, broken glass, and sharp stones. When the procedure is done outside of a medical setting, anesthesia is rarely used. The use of non-surgical instruments greatly increases the risk of complications due to infection. Infections caused by FGM can lead to death if not treated."

-"....results "in both long-term and short-term consequences. Short-term consequences include bleeding, post-operative shock, and damage to other organs. Long-term consequences include bladder infections, excessive scar tissue, urinary problems, and childbearing problems, including newborn and maternal death."

What is the laws against FGM in the United States?  Why do we need to pass the Girls Protection Act?

While in the United States, FGM is currently illegal under federal law; Congress needs to do more to ensure this barbaric destruction of female genitalia is permanently and completely eradicated.

FGM is a cruel inhuman practice, should never be practiced, and we need to protect girls from this barbaric procedure.  By passing the Girls Protection Act, this will bar any legal loopholes of Female Genital Mutilation being practiced in the United States.

Please call and/or write your U.S. Representatives and Senators, and President Obama and tell them to pass this important legislation.

Also please sign the petition below.