​The issue of female genital mutilation is once more receiving attention in the media. This is due to a number of factors including the recent release of a Family Law Council Discussion Paper "Female Genital Mutilation". The Australian Medical Association and the New South Wales Opposition have also recently made statements in relation to female genital mutilation, with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Health, Dr Andrew Refshauge, M.P. announcing the Opposition would introduce legislation in the forthcoming session of Parliament to outlaw the practice. 

In this context, and in view of the increasing number of media stories concerning female genital mutilation, this Briefing Note attempts to provide factual information concerning female genital mutilation and the main issues raised and conclusions reached in the Family Law Council Discussion Paper.