Those who practice the procedure will be punished by a jail term of three months to two years or a fine of 1,000 Egyptian pounds (190 U.S. dollars) to 5,000 pounds (940 dollars), said the new legislation, which is part of the children's rights bill.

Taking immediate effect, the new law also toughens penalties for anyone who is convicted of flouting the ban.

In June 2007, Egyptian Minister of Health and Population Hatem el-Gabali issued a decree, banning all doctors and members of the medical profession from performing the procedure, which can cause death through haemorrhaging and sequelae during childbirth, as well as carries risks of infection, urinary tract problems and mental trauma.

Egyptian First Lady Suzanne Mubarak, the wife of President Hosni Mubarak, has campaigned against the practice, calling it "one of the most fearful attacks against women" and terming the battle to stop it a national priority.