Prosecutors in England and Wales could soon classify male circumcision as a potential form of child abuse, according to a draft document from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The proposed guidance has ignited a fierce debate between legal authorities and religious communities who defend the ancient practice.
Legal Shift and Religious Alarm
The draft CPS document on "honour-based abuse, forced marriages, and harmful practices" places circumcision alongside procedures like breast flattening and virginity testing. It explicitly states that while there is no specific law against male circumcision, it "may be a form of child abuse or an offence against the person" if performed incorrectly or in unsuitable conditions.
This wording has caused significant concern among Jewish and Muslim leaders. Jonathan Arkush, a former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and co-chair of Milah UK, called the suggestion "deeply pejorative and misplaced." He argued that any procedure done poorly, including ear piercing, could be harmful, and insisted that circumcision is a core part of Jewish identity performed under stringent standards.
The Muslim Council of Britain also defended the practice, stating it has recognised medical, religious, and cultural foundations and should not be characterised as abuse in itself. However, it supported calls for stronger safeguards and accreditation.
Coroners' Warnings and Child Deaths
The CPS's review follows repeated warnings from coroners about the dangers of unregulated circumcision. Last month, a coroner highlighted insufficient regulation after the death of six-month-old Mohamed Abdisamad from a streptococcus infection in 2023.
This tragic case echoed concerns over the 2014 death of Oliver Asante-Yeboah from sepsis after a procedure performed by a rabbi. According to Office for National Statistics data cited in the report:
- Since 2001, seven deaths of boys under 18 have had circumcision as a factor.
- At least three babies bled to death: Celian Noumbiwe (2007), Goodluck Caubergs (2010), and Angelo Ofori-Mintah (2012).
These fatalities have led judges to call for legal change. In May, after convicting Mohammed Alazawi of wounding with intent during circumcisions, a judge stated the law "remains almost entirely unregulated."
Calls for Regulation and Future Debate
The debate now centres on how to balance religious freedom with child protection. Rabbi Jonathan Romain of Reform Beit Din defended circumcision as a powerful act of identity but acknowledged the need for action. He revealed Progressive Judaism is developing a training scheme for a "new generation of circumcisers" and urged the government to adopt a legally-backed model covering all faiths.
Medical professionals are divided. Consultant surgeon Gordon Muir argued the procedure is "unnecessary" and a form of child abuse, stating decisions should wait until adulthood. Conversely, Prof Faye Ruddock of the Caribbean and African Health Network stressed the lack of official information and culturally competent regulation fuels risks.
The National Secular Society welcomed the CPS guidelines but argued prevention is key. Its human rights lead, Alejandro Sanchez, said circumcision is inherently dangerous and should only be performed by doctors for medical necessity, with decisions deferred until an individual can consent.
The CPS is expected to finalise its guidance after further consultation, setting the stage for a continued national conversation about faith, safety, and children's rights.
