AL HB644

Establishes female genital mutilation (FGM) as a Class B felony in Alabama, covering removal, cutting, circumcision, excision, or other harmful procedures to the external genitalia of females under 19 years of age for nonmedical purposes

Criminalizes three categories of offenders: individuals who directly commit FGM, parents/guardians who knowingly allow or authorize it, and anyone who removes a minor from the state for the purpose of having FGM performed

Eliminates consent and cultural defenses—minors under 19 cannot legally consent, and claims of religious requirement, custom, ritual, or parental consent are not valid defenses

Provides a medical exception only for procedures performed by or under direction of a licensed physician when medically necessary to preserve the patient's physical health

Effective date of June 1, 2026