AR HB1762

Creates a new Class B felony offense for knowingly performing female genital mutilation (circumcision, excision, or infibulation of the labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris) on a minor female.

Establishes criminal liability for parents, guardians, or persons with custody who consent to or permit the procedure on a minor in their care.

Criminalizes removing or causing removal of a minor female from Arkansas for the purpose of undergoing female genital mutilation.

Eliminates religious, cultural, customary, or consent-based defenses to prosecution under the statute.

Provides a defense for medically necessary surgical procedures performed by licensed Arkansas medical professionals or for procedures performed on persons in labor or postpartum for medical purposes associated with labor or birth.