On January 29, 2026, the Connecticut Coalition to End FGM/C will host an informational briefing for Connecticut legislators and legislative staff ahead of the 2026 legislative session. The briefing will provide essential background on female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) as a human rights violation, its presence in Connecticut, and the urgent need for comprehensive state-level legislation to address the harmful practice.
Although FGM/C is prohibited under federal law, significant gaps remain in prevention, reporting, survivor protections, and access to services at the state level. This briefing will highlight how these gaps leave girls in Connecticut vulnerable and why state action is necessary to complement federal protections and strengthen community safety.
The event will feature a moderated panel discussion with survivor advocates, medical and mental health professionals, legal experts, and national policy leaders. Panelists will share evidence-based data, lived experiences, and legal and policy analysis to provide lawmakers with a clear, informed understanding of how FGM/C impacts individuals and communities across the state. Representative Jillian Gilchrest will also speak to Connecticut’s history of FGM/C advocacy and the importance of advancing a comprehensive bill during the 2026 session.
Event Details
Event: Ending Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: Informational Briefing for Legislators and Staff
Date: January 29, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30 AM (briefing) | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM (networking lunch)
Location: Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 2A
Registration: https://bit.ly/FGMCbriefing