In a troubling development for child safety, Zuber Bux, a doctor previously struck off the General Medical Council (GMC) register for a reckless circumcision that endangered a toddler’s life, is reportedly still performing the procedure without any medical oversight. This situation raises serious concerns about the regulation of circumcision practices in the UK, prompting calls for immediate reforms to protect vulnerable children.
A Reckless Circumcision: The Case of Patient A
The GMC’s decision to remove Bux from the medical register stemmed from a 2021 incident involving a 15-month-old boy, referred to in reports as Patient A. During the circumcision, which took place in a community setting despite the child’s known heart condition, a series of blunders by Bux resulted in the boy being rushed to hospital amid fears for his life. The GMC panel described Bux’s actions as a “cavalier approach” that led to a potentially life-threatening situation for the child.
The ruling highlighted the serious nature of Bux’s misconduct, stating that it was imperative to protect the public and maintain confidence in the medical profession. The panel found that Bux had shown no remorse for his actions and lacked insight into the consequences of his reckless behaviour.
Continuing the Practice
Despite being struck off, Bux, now 55, has continued to operate as a circumcision practitioner, which is legal due to the absence of regulations requiring circumcisers to have formal medical training. His website advertises circumcision services for infants up to six months old in several towns across north-west England, including Blackburn and Bolton. This situation has alarmed child safeguarding advocates who argue that this loophole poses a significant risk to children’s safety.
Bux’s prior record includes allegations of financial dishonesty, as he was also found to have submitted fraudulent sick notes to a legal firm connected to his wife. His legal troubles and lack of accountability have intensified calls for stricter regulations governing circumcision practices.
Calls for Reform
The National Secular Society (NSS), which obtained data revealing Bux as one of three doctors removed from the GMC register for similar complaints, has raised the alarm about the “catastrophic failure of safeguarding” in this area. Alejandro Sanchez, the NSS’s head of human rights, emphasised that the ability for individuals like Bux to continue performing circumcisions without medical oversight endangers children’s lives.
Recent discussions within the Crown Prosecution Service have even considered categorising non-therapeutic circumcision as potential child abuse, reflecting growing concerns among legal professionals regarding the lack of regulation around the procedure.
The Broader Context of Circumcision in the UK
The issue of circumcision, particularly for non-medical reasons, has been contentious in the UK, with advocates arguing that it is both unnecessary and poses health risks. Since 2001, at least seven boys have died as a result of complications related to circumcision, including cases of severe bleeding. The NSS argues that any circumcision should only be carried out by qualified medical professionals and should be deferred until the child is old enough to make an informed decision based on personal beliefs.
Why it Matters
The ongoing practice of unregulated circumcision by individuals like Zuber Bux raises critical questions about child welfare and medical ethics. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to ensure that children are protected from potentially harmful practices conducted without adequate oversight. The lack of regulation not only endangers the physical health of vulnerable children but also infringes upon their rights to make personal choices about their bodies. As discussions on this issue progress, it is clear that safeguarding children’s welfare must take precedence in the conversation around circumcision and medical practices in general.
