Female genital mutilation in New Zealand

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In New Zealand, female genital mutilation (FGM) was made illegal in 1996 through an amendment to the Crimes Act 1961 when s204A was added. FGM is an issue in New Zealand because of the number of migrants from countries where FGM is commonly practised settling in New Zealand. FGM is referred to as procedures that, for non-medical reasons, intend to cause harm to female genital organs. The procedures may have negative health impacts by causing problems such as urinating, infections, severe bleeding and complications during childbirth.^[1] Procedures are normally carried out on girls from infancy to 15 years old.^[1] FGM is predominantly practised in countries throughout the Middle East, Asia and in Africa.^[1]