The issue of female genital mutilation (FGM) persists in Minnesota’s Somali community, where cultural practices contribute to a climate of secrecy and silence. Despite the state’s strong legal stance against the practice, which has been classified as a felony since 1994, no criminal prosecutions have been documented to date. This raises critical questions about enforcement and the extent of the issue in a community where an estimated 98% of women have undergone the procedure in their home country of Somalia, according to United Nations data.
FGM, which involves the cutting or removal of parts of a female’s genital organs, is often performed for cultural reasons rather than medical necessity. The procedure leaves lasting physical and psychological scars, and survivors frequently bear the burden of shame and fear of speaking out. Representative Mary Franson, a Minnesota Republican, highlighted the difficulty of addressing this hidden issue, stating, “It’s hidden — it’s a cultural practice, and who is doing the cutting could be a family member or a doctor who is also in that same culture.”
The lack of public awareness and community silence contribute to the challenge of combating FGM, with survivors like Zahra Abdalla describing their experiences. Abdalla, who underwent the procedure as a child in a refugee camp, recalled the traumatic events with chilling clarity. She was restrained and subjected to the procedure without anesthesia, which she said was performed by women from her community. “I remember being held down. I remember the pain — and knowing I could not escape,” she explained.
Survivors often face societal pressures that perpetuate the cycle of FGM. Abdalla noted that marriage expectations can drive families to enforce the procedure, as some men refuse to marry women who have not undergone FGM. “It’s tied to dowry. It’s tied to marriage,” she said, emphasizing the financial and social implications that families face in these communities.
Despite the alarming statistics and personal testimonies, the issue remains largely unaddressed in Minnesota. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than half a million women and girls in the United States are living with the consequences of FGM. Yet, the absence of documented prosecutions in Minnesota raises concerns about whether the state is effectively enforcing its laws against the practice.
In 2017, a federal case in Michigan brought attention to the issue when prosecutors alleged that two young girls were taken from Minnesota to undergo FGM. The case ultimately collapsed due to legal technicalities, prompting Congress to strengthen federal laws under the Stop FGM Act signed into law by President Donald Trump in 2021. Despite these legislative efforts, prosecutions remain rare; the only known state-level conviction occurred in Georgia in 2006.
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office confirmed that prosecutions for state crimes like FGM are handled by county attorneys, yet no cases have been reported. The Minnesota Department of Health does not track specific data on FGM, further complicating efforts to monitor the practice.
Advocates for change, including activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali, emphasize the urgent need for legal accountability. Hirsi Ali, a survivor of FGM herself, stated, “Female genital mutilation is violence against the most vulnerable — children.” She argued that confronting cultural practices that harm children is essential for safeguarding their rights and well-being.
As awareness continues to grow, some Minnesota lawmakers are pushing for the establishment of a task force aimed at preventing FGM. Franson noted that the bill was introduced in response to concerns raised by women within the Somali community, reflecting a desire for accountability and action. However, the political landscape remains complex, with some lawmakers expressing reluctance to engage due to concerns about cultural sensitivity.
The global context reveals that FGM is most prevalent in regions of Africa and the Middle East, with Somalia exhibiting some of the highest rates. Organizations like the World Health Organization and UNICEF have classified FGM as a human rights violation, underscoring the need for concerted global efforts to eradicate the practice.
Despite the challenges, the voices of survivors and advocates like Abdalla and Hirsi Ali are vital in raising awareness and prompting action. As they continue to share their stories, the hope remains that Minnesota will strengthen its commitment to protecting girls from this harmful practice and ensure that no one else has to endure the pain associated with FGM.
In a landscape where silence often reigns, the call for legal and social accountability grows louder, highlighting the need for communities to confront difficult truths in order to foster a safer future for all women and girls.
