The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has drafted new guidance that classifies male circumcision as a potential form of child abuse, sparking concerns among religious groups. The document, seen by the Guardian, lists circumcision alongside breast flattening, virginity testing, hymenoplasty, and exorcisms as harmful practices.
The draft states that while there is no specific criminal offence for male circumcision, it can be painful and harmful if carried out incorrectly or in inappropriate circumstances, and may constitute child abuse or an offence against the person. This comes after coroners raised safety concerns following deaths linked to the procedure.
Jewish and Muslim leaders have defended the practice. Jonathan Arkush, former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, called the wording misleading and pejorative, arguing that any procedure performed incorrectly could be harmful. The Muslim Council of Britain supported stronger safeguards but stressed that circumcision itself should not be characterised as abuse.
Since 2001, seven deaths of boys under 18 in England and Wales have involved circumcision, including three from bleeding. Recent cases include the death of six-month-old Mohamed Abdisamad in 2023 from an infection after circumcision, and Oliver Asante-Yeboah in 2014 from sepsis after a procedure by a rabbi.
Prof Faye Ruddock of the Caribbean and African Health Network called for culturally competent regulation and better education on risks, noting that not all families have access to credible practitioners. The CPS is expected to finalise the guidance after consultation.
