Austria Launches FGM Protection Letter

Ministers Claudia Bauer and Eva-Maria Holzleitner introduce a legal and health guide to protect 11,000 women and girls from mutilation.

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, Integration Minister and Women's Minister introduced an official protection letter against female genital mutilation. This new document outlines the legal situation and health risks in .

The letter details that genital mutilation is strictly prohibited and carries a prison sentence of up to 15 years. These legal penalties apply to offenses committed abroad. Modeled after German and Swiss versions, the guide is available online and in clinics.

Approximately 11,000 women and girls in Austria are affected by this practice. FGM-C coordination office head Hilde Wolf noted the document will be distributed to authorities and schools to provide critical information on the severe health consequences.


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