Circumcision classed as potentially harmful practice in controversial new guidance

Earlier draft wording that described circumcision as a potential "form of child abuse" has been removed following objections from Jewish and Muslim organisations.

The CPS had initially considered placing circumcision alongside dowry abuse, witchcraft and female genital mutilation in guidance on honour-based abuse but abandoned this approach after religious groups raised concerns.

Instead, the updated language appears in separate guidance covering offences against the person.

The guidance specifies that circumcision may cross into criminal territory when performed by individuals falsely claiming medical qualifications or when conducted in non-sterile environments.

Prosecutors are instructed to weigh potential charges under the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 for child cruelty or assault offences under the Offences against the Person Act 1861.

A CPS spokesman stated the organisation recognised circumcision as "a legal practice that carries social, cultural and religious significance".

However, the spokesman added: "There are certain cases when the procedure is carried out improperly and in unsafe conditions where it can cause significant harm and distress to victims. Our guidance directs prosecutors to consider the circumstances on a case-by-case basis, noting the factors that may lead to the practice amounting to a criminal offence."

Religious leaders have broadly welcomed the revised approach from prosecutors.

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, convener of Reform Beit Din, Progressive Judaism's religious court, told The Guardian: "I very much welcome the change of attitude by the CPS not to castigate circumcision, as it is an important practice for so many people of different faiths and cultures."

He acknowledged while the procedure "can be safe and meaningful if done by experts", he warned that "rogue operators can both bring it into disrepute and endanger children".

Jonathan Arkush, co-chair of Milah UK, which advocates for Jewish religious circumcision rights, said the guidance upheld "the very longstanding status of male circumcision as a legal practice".

He praised the CPS for correcting what he described as "misleading and wrong" references that had appeared in earlier drafts.

The new guidance follows a troubling pattern of deaths and serious injuries from botched procedures.

Since 2001, seven boys have died in circumstances where circumcision was a contributing factor, including three infants who bled to death.

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust treated 29 babies between 2022 and 2024 for severe complications, including sepsis and haemorrhage, according to Freedom of Information data.

In December, a coroner raised concerns about inadequate regulation of who may perform circumcisions, following the death of six-month-old Mohamed Abdisamad from a streptococcus infection in 2023.

Criminal prosecutions have also highlighted the dangers. Mohammad Siddiqui, a former doctor, received a prison sentence in January 2025 for inflicting "gratuitous pain and suffering" during procedures between 2014 and 2019.

Mohammed Alazawi, who falsely presented himself as a doctor, was convicted in May of six counts of wounding with intent.

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