It is illegal in every state and territory of Australia to carry out any type of Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting.

These laws also cover performing FGM/C on a child who lives in Australia while they are overseas.

It is also illegal in Australia for anyone to resew the labia together again following childbirth. Re-stitching generally only occurs where a woman has experienced tearing as a result of childbirth.

As a multicultural society, Australia is home to women and girls who have experienced FGM/C in their country of origin. There is no evidence to suggest that communities are continuing to perform and encourage FGM/C in Australia. However, there have been a number of isolated cases in the last few years.

It is important to ensure that newly arrived immigrants and refugees have the opportunity to learn about the health risks of FGM/C as well as the Australian laws.