Circumcision classed as possible child abuse in draft CPS document
Exclusive: Possible revision of guidance for prosecutors in England and Wales comes amid safety concerns from courts
TL;DR
- The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is drafting guidance that may classify circumcision as a potential form of child abuse.
- This classification is prompted by concerns over deaths and serious harms linked to the procedure, with several cases of infant mortality cited.
- Religious groups, including Jewish and Muslim leaders, are defending circumcision as a culturally and religiously significant practice.
- The draft guidance notes that unlike female genital mutilation, there is no specific criminal offense for male circumcision, but it can be considered child abuse if performed incorrectly or in inappropriate circumstances.
- Coroners have issued warnings about the lack of regulation over who can perform circumcisions, following infant deaths.
- Some medical professionals argue that circumcision is an unnecessary procedure that can cause harm and should only be performed by doctors on individuals old enough to consent.
- Religious and community leaders are calling for better regulation, accreditation, and education regarding the risks associated with circumcision.
- A former doctor and a man falsely claiming to be a doctor have been convicted for causing harm during unregulated circumcision procedures.