Note: This advice is given by the CAP Executive about non-broadcast advertising. It does not constitute legal advice. It does not bind CAP, CAP advisory panels or the Advertising Standards Authority.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) involves procedures that include the partial or total removal of the external female genital organs for non-medical reasons.
Under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 and the Serious Crime Act 2015, it is an offence for any person in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (regardless of their nationality or residence status) to perform FGM, or to assist a girl to carry out female genital mutilation on herself. It is also an offence to assist a non-UK national or resident to carry out FGM outside the UK on a UK national/resident, or for a UK national/resident to assist or perform FGM abroad.
As such, any publishers asked to accept ads or marcoms offering the procedure are advised to seek legal advice.
See also Legality and Social Responsibility.