Circumcision could be child abuse, says new guidance

Emily Pollok  |  UK & Ireland
Date posted:  18 Jan 2026
Share Add       
Circumcision could be child abuse, says new guidance

Photo by David J Pearson via Flickr / Wikimedia Commons

The practice of circumcision could be considered a form of child abuse in some cases according to revised guidance for prosecutors.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has drafted a document on “honour-based abuse, forced marriages, and harmful practices” that includes circumcision in a list of practices with potentially criminal implications like breast flattening or virginity testing, The Guardian reports.

“To suggest that circumcision is in itself a harmful practice, is deeply pejorative and misplaced,” Jonathan Arkush, co-chair of Milah UK, which protects the Jewish community’s observation of religious circumcision, told the paper.

Share
< Previous article| UK & Ireland| Next article >
Read more articles by Emily Pollok >>
UK & Ireland
UK Christian leaders challenge Paul Marshall over climate stance

UK Christian leaders challenge Paul Marshall over climate stance

More than 100 church and Christian leaders from around the UK are signatories in an open letter to billionaire and …

UK & Ireland
Christian Institute sends politicians Easter gift

Christian Institute sends politicians Easter gift

The Christian Institute is sending a Christian book to every member of parliament across the UK for Easter.How Christianity …

Looking for a job?

Browse all our current job adverts

Search

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access for just £40/year

Find out more