Circumcision and FGM
Circumcision of Boys*
Male circumcision is the partial or complete removal of the foreskin. Circumcision is generally performed for cultural or religious reasons and is the most frequently performed physical procedure worldwide. Since December 2012 Germany has had a law governing the circumcision of boys for religious reasons.
§ 1631d BGB leaves it up to the parents to decide whether to circumcise their son* as this allows them to exercise their right to educate their offspring.
Circumcision of boys* is therefore regulated under the law on parental custody. Boys* may also be circumcised in Germany even if it is not absolutely necessary for medical reasons. It must be performed according to the rules of medical practice. Persons from a religious community can perform a circumcision in the first six months of the male infant’s life as long as they are specially trained to do so and have skills comparable with that of a doctor. Circumcision of boys* is a controversial issue in Germany. For some it is an important religious ritual while for others it is a violation of the child’s integrity.
Female Genital Mutilation
There are two terms used in practice: FGM (Female Genital Mutilation- genital mutilation) and FGC (Female Genital Cutting - genital circumcision). The abbreviation FGM/C (Female Genital Mutilation / Cutting) is now often used. Many affected women* feel belittled by the term mutilation, therefore the "neutral" word circumcision should be used with those affected, even if this term represents an irresponsible trivialization.
FGM/C is the partial or complete removal, damage or mutilation of the external female genital organs.
FGM/C is far more widespread in African and Asian countries than in Germany. According to an analysis by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth (as of December 2025), around 86,500 adult women in Germany have undergone genital mutilation – 83% more than in 2017. Approximately 11,100 girls in Germany are considered potentially affected, and up to 25,000 are considered at risk.
Since 2013, Section 226a of the German Criminal Code (StGB) has made genital mutilation of girls and women a criminal offence and provides for increased penalties. According to Sections 226a and 5 StGB, the procedure is also punishable abroad. The offence is punishable by up to 15 years' imprisonment. Those involved also face the loss of their residence permit. This is intended to prevent so-called ‘holiday circumcision’. The aim of the legislature is also to combat FGM/C effectively and to raise public awareness of this injustice.