In a move that has sparked heated debate, a draft document by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in England and Wales has classified male circumcision as a potential form of child abuse. The guidance, which also includes practices like breast flattening, virginity testing, and exorcism, has alarmed some religious groups who view circumcision as a core part of their cultural and religious identity.
The draft document, seen by The Guardian, states that while there is no specific criminal offence for carrying out male circumcision, “this can be a painful and harmful practice, if carried out incorrectly or in inappropriate circumstances. It may be a form of child abuse or an offence against the person.”
This comes amid growing concerns from judges and coroners about deaths and serious harm caused by the procedure. In the past 20 years, there have been at least seven deaths of boys under 18 where circumcision was a factor, with some involving babies who bled to death.
Jonathan Arkush, a former president of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and co-chair of Milah UK, which promotes and protects the right of the Jewish community to carry out religious circumcision, has criticised the wording as “deeply pejorative and misplaced.” He insists that the “stringent standards” applied by the Jewish community ensure that complications are “vanishingly rare.”
Similarly, the Muslim Council of Britain has stated that while procedures carried out “irresponsibly, without proper safeguards, and cause harm” may fall within the scope of criminal law, “male circumcision is a lawful practice in the UK with recognised medical, religious and cultural foundations, and it should not be characterised in itself as child abuse.”
The debate highlights the tensions between cultural and religious traditions, child safety, and the law. While some experts argue that circumcision is an “unnecessary” and “inherently dangerous” procedure that should be deferred until the individual is old enough to decide for themselves, others defend it as a vital part of their identity and community.
As the CPS guidance undergoes consultation, the issue is likely to remain a contentious one, with calls for stronger regulation and safeguards to protect vulnerable children while respecting the rights of religious and cultural communities.