By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is considering classifying circumcision as a potential form of child abuse in new guidance for prosecutors. This follows concerns from judges and coroners regarding deaths and serious harms resulting from the procedure. The draft document has sparked alarm among religious groups, particularly Jewish and Muslim leaders, who defend the cultural importance of circumcision. Despite the lack of a specific criminal offense for male circumcision, the guidance highlights that the practice, if performed incorrectly, could be a form of child abuse or an offense against the person.
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Circumcision classed as possible child abuse in draft CPS document. It seems like the gears are turning on this issue, and it’s about time. The idea that a procedure like circumcision, especially without a clear medical need, could be considered child abuse by organizations like the Crown Prosecution Service is a major shift, and it’s sparking a lot of thought. My initial reaction? Good. It’s a barbaric practice when done without consent.
I get that there’s a history, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs woven into this. But let’s be honest, in the modern world, without a specific medical reason, it’s difficult to defend it. If you wouldn’t willingly cut off another body part without consent, why is this any different? I’m not saying it’s the same level of harm as female genital mutilation, but it’s a step in the same direction. It is a surgical procedure, after all, and if it’s not medically necessary, what’s the justification?
I remember the relief of being asked about it during my wife’s pregnancy. It was a chance to really think it through. In the US, it’s almost assumed that circumcision is just what you do. I can imagine that being passed down through generations. But when you start digging into the “why,” the answers get murky. Hygiene? The rest of the world seems to manage just fine without the procedure. I really wanted my son to feel good about himself, and it was hard picturing him being “different.”
I can say with certainty that the pediatrician was probably tired of my constant questions about hygiene. And honestly, all of that could be avoided if everyone just agreed that it’s not really needed and easy enough to keep clean. It’s a good point that many women agree about the issue, which is all the more reason that we should listen to the men who feel strongly about it.
It’s a step forward, and it’s about time we looked at this with a critical eye. It’s not a small decision with potentially lifelong impacts. The fact that the practice could be forbidden in the future, as it should be, shows how backward it is. I also think it’s important to remember that this isn’t about outlawing it entirely, but about ensuring it’s done correctly, by trained professionals, or not at all.
This means that if you’re going to circumcise, you better follow the rules. Claiming a religious exemption will not be a shield against child abuse charges. It’s strange how often the same people who are concerned about something as simple as a baby girl’s ear piercing aren’t as worried about male circumcision. On top of the consent issue, it’s not always medically sound.
Some of the consequences of circumcision include desensitization, potential sexual dysfunction, and overall reduced sexual satisfaction, it is a significant and functional part of the male anatomy. The reality is that the number one factor in whether parents choose to circumcise or not is if the father was circumcised. It is the perfect example of tradition over any other reasoning. It’s time to stop the tradition. I think of the baby boys screaming, and I can’t imagine putting a child through that.
It is really odd that it is commonplace only in the US, and a handful of other countries. Circumcision is the weird move to make in most of the world. I don’t care how you feel about it; it should be something done by adults. It is the type of practice that should be banned and met with scorn.
The point that it is not considered child abuse is a farce. The parents’ job is to protect them until they are of age to make that decision for themselves. It’s not some kind of “sacred ritual”, it is abuse. Many people will have to confront their feelings on the matter, but it’s long overdue.
I do not think the burden of proof should be on those wanting to stop it, but rather, those that wish to remove a part of a baby’s body to prove it’s not child abuse. I think of the people who defend it in the name of tradition or faith and that’s not acceptable. If they love their kids, they should not do that.
When you consider that in Germany, they tried to outlaw it, and then said that the country would be laughed at if they did. The lack of cultural and religious sensitivity is disappointing. If you truly believe in your religious beliefs, don’t change what God has given. Wait until the child is old enough to make their own decision.
I saw the procedure in nursing school and thought, this is pointless. It felt cruel. The fact is, this is a barbaric practice and is abuse, plain and simple. What does it matter whether it is an ear piercing or circumcision? The point is, wait until the child is old enough to decide. It’s a step forward and a win for medical health and respect.