Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Judaism: Religious Prohibition Clarified

Judaism Unequivocally Forbids FGM

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)—partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons—is a human rights violation condemned by WHO, UN, and major medical bodies. It has no basis in Jewish law, tradition, or practice.

Scriptural & Legal Basis

• Leviticus 19:28: "You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh..." – interpreted as prohibition of bodily mutilation.
• Deuteronomy 14:1: "You are children of the Lord your God; you shall not cut yourselves..."
• Maimonides (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:11): Explicitly forbids female circumcision as a "foolish custom" of idolaters.
• Contemporary Rabbinic Consensus: All major denominations (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist) prohibit FGM.

Cultural Context

• FGM is practiced in parts of Africa, Middle East, Asia—not in Jewish communities.
• Male circumcision (brit milah) is a distinct covenantal ritual for boys on day 8; it is not analogous to FGM in intent, procedure, or consequence.

Global Jewish Advocacy

Jewish organizations (Hadassah, NCJW, ADL, rabbinic groups) actively campaign against FGM worldwide as part of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

Bottom Line

FGM is antithetical to Jewish values of bodily integrity, human dignity, and the sanctity of life. Any claim linking FGM to Judaism is factually false.