The Issue
Understanding The Issue
Male circumcision, the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, is often performed for religious, cultural, or social reasons, and can sometimes be medically indicated. However, the procedure is not without risks. Complications can include:
Infections: Infections during or after the procedure can lead to significant complications.
Scarring: Some individuals experience long-term scarring, which may affect the appearance and function of the penis.
Loss of Sensitivity: Circumcision removes sensitive tissue, which can impact sexual function later in life.
The Need for Reform
We believe the time has come for male circumcision to be regulated more strictly, ensuring that it is only performed under certain conditions:
Informed Consent: Consent should be obtained from the individual undergoing the procedure in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Medical Oversight: Procedures should only be carried out by qualified and registered healthcare professionals in a controlled medical environment regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Regulated Timing: Non-therapeutic circumcision should not be performed on children under 16 years of age in line with guidelines for medical consent
The Ethical Dilemma
Male circumcision is currently performed without any universal requirement for consent from the individual undergoing the procedure.
While religious and cultural traditions play a role in circumcision, the question remains: should this decision be made for a child, or should they have the autonomy to make it when they are older?
Currently in the United Kingdom there is no legislation requiring male circumcision to be carried out in a clinical setting by a qualified and registered healthcare professional. Would you allow someone who is not a registered healthcare professional to perform a surgical procedure on yourself?
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