New guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is considering classifying circumcision as a potential form of child abuse, prompting debate and concern from religious leaders and medical professionals. The draft guidance, focused on “honour-based abuse, forced marriages, and harmful practices,” places circumcision alongside other procedures like breast flattening and virginity testing as potentially criminal acts.
Concerns Over Harm and Regulation
The CPS document acknowledges that, unlike female genital mutilation, there is currently no specific criminal offense related to male circumcision in the UK. However, it states the practice “can be a painful and harmful practice, if carried out incorrectly or in inappropriate circumstances” and could constitute child abuse or an offense against the person. This move follows recent cases raising concerns about safety and regulation.
Last month, a coroner issued warnings following the death of six-month-old Mohamed Abdisamad from a streptococcus infection in 2023, highlighting insufficient oversight of who can perform the procedure. This case echoed previous concerns raised after the 2014 death of Oliver Asante-Yeboah, who died from sepsis following a circumcision performed by a rabbi.
Religious and Cultural Significance
The proposed guidance has sparked alarm within religious communities. Jonathan Arkush, a former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, argued the wording is “misleading,” stating, “To suggest that circumcision is in itself a harmful practice, is deeply pejorative and misplaced.” He emphasized that the Jewish community adheres to “stringent standards” that minimize complications, and that circumcision is a “core part of our identity.”
The Muslim Council of Britain similarly defended the practice, stating it has “recognised medical, religious and cultural foundations” and should not be characterized as child abuse in itself. However, the council supports calls for stronger safeguards and a system of accreditation for practitioners.
Calls for Regulation and Information
Concerns about unregulated practice have been voiced by medical professionals and legal figures. A judge noted in May that the law surrounding male circumcision “remains almost entirely unregulated.” Gordon Muir, a consultant urological surgeon, argues the procedure is “unnecessary” and constitutes child abuse, advocating for parental consent only when the child is 16 or older. Professor Faye Ruddock, chair of the Caribbean and African Health Network, emphasized the need for better information and culturally competent regulation, noting a lack of accessible information for parents.
Recent prosecutions have underscored the risks associated with unregulated circumcisions. Mohammad Siddiqui, a private circumciser and former doctor, received a prison sentence exceeding five years in January for causing “gratuitous pain and suffering” during “unsanitary and dangerous” procedures. Mohammed Alazawi was convicted of wounding with intent in May after falsely claiming to be a doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CPS draft guidance say about circumcision?
The draft guidance states that while there is no specific criminal offense for male circumcision, it can be a harmful practice if performed incorrectly and may constitute child abuse or an offense against the person.
What concerns have been raised about the practice?
Concerns center on insufficient regulation of who can perform circumcisions, leading to instances of harm and, in some cases, death. Coroners have recently highlighted these risks following the deaths of infants.
How have religious groups responded to the proposed guidance?
Jewish and Muslim leaders have expressed concern over the wording of the guidance, defending circumcision as a culturally and religiously significant practice, while acknowledging the need for safe and properly regulated procedures.
What steps might be taken next to address these concerns and ensure the safety of boys undergoing circumcision?
