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== Australia and circumcision ==
== Australia and circumcision ==


'''Australia''', like other English-speaking countries, once had a rather high rate of non-therapeutic neonatal [[circumcision]] of male infants, however Australia (2019) now has a very low rate of non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision. Consequently, the [[circumcised]] males are concentrated in the older age groups. As they pass away and are replaced by younger [[intact]] males, the prevalence of circumcised men is diminishing. Circumcised males are now in the minority in Australia and have been at least since 2011.<ref name="cozijn2013">{{REFweb
'''Australia''', like other English-speaking countries, once had a rather high rate of non-therapeutic neonatal [[circumcision]] of male infants, however Australia (2019) now has a very low rate of non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision. Consequently, the [[circumcised]] males are concentrated in the older age groups. As they pass away and are replaced by younger [[intact]] males, the prevalence of [[circumcised]] men is diminishing. Circumcised males are now in the minority in Australia and have been at least since 2011.<ref name="cozijn2013">{{REFweb
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/statistics.html
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/statistics.html
  |title=Incidence and prevalence of circumcision in Australia
  |title=Incidence and prevalence of circumcision in Australia
Line 16: Line 16:
  |format=
  |format=
  |quote=
  |quote=
}}</ref> The percentage of [[circumcised]] males in Australia (prevalence) was reported to be 26.6% in 2024.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://circstatistics.github.io/
|title=Global Circumcision Statistics and Estimates
|last=
|first=
|init=
|publisher=https://circstatistics.github.io
|date=2024-04-01
|accessdate=2024-04-01
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==History==
==History==


The indigenous people of Australia, the [[Aborigines]], have variously practiced [[subincision]] and [[circumcision]] since before the first contact with Europeans.
The indigenous people of Australia, the [[Aborigines]], have variously practiced [[subincision]] and [[circumcision]] since before the first contact with Europeans. This can only be classified as [[genital mutilation]]. The status of this practice at the present time is unclear.


The incidence of non-therapeutic neonatal [[circumcision]] in Australia approached that of the United States in the 1930s through 1960s.  
The incidence of non-therapeutic neonatal [[circumcision]] in Australia approached that of the [[United States]] in the 1930s through 1960s.


[[Douglas Gairdner]]'s famous, classic 1949 paper, ''The Fate of the Foreskin: A Study of Circumcision'',<ref name="gairdner1949">{{GairdnerDM 1949}}</ref> seems to have had no effect in Australia. However, criticism of the practice of non-therapeutic circumcision accelerated in 1967.
[[Douglas Gairdner]]'s famous, classic 1949 paper, ''The Fate of the Foreskin: A Study of Circumcision'',<ref name="gairdner1949">{{GairdnerDM 1949}}</ref> seems to have had no effect in Australia. However, criticism of the practice of non-therapeutic circumcision accelerated in 1967.


Morgan (1967) criticised non-therapeutic circumcision in a letter published in the ''Medical Journal of Australia''.<ref>{{REFjournal
The Melbourne Paediatric Society held a meeting on 12 November 1952 at which Dr. John Begg read a paper, "''Why Circumcise''" in which the practice of child circumcision was questioned.<ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Medical Societies
|init=
|author-link=
|last2=
|init2=
|author2-link=
|url=https://www.cirp.org/news/1953/1953-04-25_medjaust.php
|title=Why Circumcise?
|journal=Med J Aust
|date=1953-04-25
|volume=1
|issue=17
|pages=603-04
|pubmedID=13062881
|accessdate=2024-11-11
}}</ref>
 
Morgan (1967) criticised non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] in a letter published in the ''Medical Journal of Australia''.<ref>{{REFjournal
  |last=Morgan
  |last=Morgan
  |init=WKC
  |init=WKC
|author-link=
  |etal=No
  |etal=No
  |title=Penile plunder
  |title=Penile plunder
  |journal=Med J Aust
  |journal=Med J Aust
|location=
  |date=1967
  |date=1967
  |volume=1
  |volume=1
|issue=
  |pages=1102-3
  |pages=1102-3
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/general/morgan2/
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/general/morgan2/
|quote=
  |pubmedID=4226264
  |pubmedID=4226264
  |pubmedCID=
  |pubmedCID=
|DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-10-31
  |accessdate=2019-10-31
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
Line 49: Line 71:
  |last=Wright
  |last=Wright
  |init=JE
  |init=JE
|author-link=
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title=Non-therapeutic circumcision
  |title=Non-therapeutic circumcision
  |journal=Med J Aust
  |journal=Med J Aust
location=
  |date=1967-05-27
  |date=1967-05-27
  |volume=1
  |volume=1
|issue=
  |pages=1083-7
  |pages=1083-7
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/general/wright4/
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/general/wright4/
|quote=
  |pubmedID=6028342
  |pubmedID=6028342
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


The ''Australian Paediatric Journal'' issue of June 1970, published three articles critical of non-therapeutic infant circumcision.<ref name="leitch1970">{{REFjournal
The ''Australian Paediatric Journal'' issue of June 1970, published three articles critical of non-therapeutic infant [[circumcision]].<ref name="leitch1970">{{REFjournal
  |last=Leitch
  |last=Leitch
  |init=IO
  |init=IO
|author-link=
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title=Circumcision: the continuing enigma
  |title=Circumcision: the continuing enigma
|trans-title=
|language=
  |journal=Aust Paediatr J
  |journal=Aust Paediatr J
|location=
  |date=1970-03
  |date=1970-03
  |volume=6
  |volume=6
Line 81: Line 93:
  |pages=59-65
  |pages=59-65
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/general/leitch1/
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/general/leitch1/
|quote=
  |pubmedID=5535347
  |pubmedID=5535347
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-10-27
  |accessdate=2019-10-27
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
  |last=Birrell
  |last=Birrell
  |init=RG
  |init=RG
|author-link=
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title=Circumcision
  |title=Circumcision
  |journal=Aust Paediatr J
  |journal=Aust Paediatr J
|location=
  |date=1960-06
  |date=1960-06
  |volume=6
  |volume=6
  |issue=2
  |issue=2
  |pages=66-7
  |pages=66-7
|url=
|quote=
  |pubmedID=5527602
  |pubmedID=5527602
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-10-27
  |accessdate=2019-10-27
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
}}</ref><ref>{{REFjournal
  |last=Smith
  |last=Smith
  |init=ED
  |init=ED
|author-link=
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title=Another view of circumcision
  |title=Another view of circumcision
|trans-title=
|language=
  |journal=Aust Paediatr J
  |journal=Aust Paediatr J
|location=
  |date=1970-06
  |date=1970-06
  |volume=6
  |volume=6
  |issue=2
  |issue=2
  |pages=67-9
  |pages=67-9
|url=
|quote=
  |pubmedID=5527603
  |pubmedID=5527603
|pubmedCID=
|accessdate=2019-10-27
}}</ref>
The [[intact]], foreskinned boy had already become the norm in Australia when Simpson & Baraclough (1998) published advice on the care of intact, [[foreskinned]] boys.<ref name="simpson1998">{{REFjournal
|last=Simpson
|first=Errol T.
|init=ET
|author-link=
|last2=Baraclough
|first2=Phillip
|init2=P
|author2-link=
|etal=no
|title=The management of the paediatric foreskin
|trans-title=
|language=
|journal=Aust Fam Physician
|location=
|date=1998
|volume=27
|issue=5
|pages=381-3
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/hygiene/simpson1/
|quote=Minor foreskin related complaints are very common in the first few years of life. Most of these can be managed with advice and reassurance, or with medical treatment alone. Circumcision is very rarely indicated in young boys, particularly under the age of 5 years.
|pubmedID=9613002
  |pubmedCID=
  |pubmedCID=
  |DOI=
  |DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-10-27
  |accessdate=2023-12-17
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==Position statements of medical societies==
==Position statements of medical societies==


After considering the three papers published in the  ''Australian Paediatric Journal'', the [http://auspaediatrics.com.au/ Australian Paediatric Society] adopted a resolution on April 24, 1971 that the circumcision of male infants should not be performed as a routine measure. That resolution subsequently was reported in a letter by Belmaine published in the ''Medical Journal of Australia'' on May 22, 1971.<ref name="belmaine1971">{{REFjournal
After considering the three papers published in the  ''Australian Paediatric Journal'', the [http://auspaediatrics.com.au/ Australian Paediatric Society] adopted a resolution on 24 April 1971 that the circumcision of male infants should not be performed as a routine measure. That resolution subsequently was reported in a letter by Bellmaine published in the ''Medical Journal of Australia'' on 22 May 1971.<ref name="bellmaine1971">{{REFjournal
  |last=Belmaine
  |last=Bellmaine
  |init=SP
  |init=SP
|author-link=
  |title=Circumcision
  |title=Circumcision
  |journal=Medical Journal of Australia
  |journal=Medical Journal of Australia
  |date=1971-05-22
  |date=1971-05-22
  |volume=1
  |volume=1
|issue=
  |pages=1148
  |pages=1148
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/apa1971/
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/apa1971/
Line 142: Line 163:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


The incidence of non-therapeutic child [[circumcision]] in Australia started to decline after the publication of the Belmaine (1971) letter.  By 1978, only 50 percent of newborn boys were being circumcised.  
The incidence of non-therapeutic child [[circumcision]] in Australia started to decline after the publication of the Belmaine (1971) letter.  By 1978, only 50 percent of newborn boys were being circumcised.


The [[Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons]] (1996) in an official statement, called "routine" (i.e. non-therapeutic) circumcision "inappropriate and unneessary."<ref name=leditschke1996>{{REFdocument
The [[Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons]] (1996) in an official statement, called "routine" (i.e. non-therapeutic) circumcision "inappropriate and unnecessary."<ref name=leditschke1996>{{REFdocument
  |title=Guidelines for Circumcision
  |title=Guidelines for Circumcision
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/aaps/
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/aaps/
Line 159: Line 180:
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/acp1996/
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/acp1996/
  |title=Routine circumcision of normal male infants and boys
  |title=Routine circumcision of normal male infants and boys
|trans-title=
|language=
  |last=Statement
  |last=Statement
|first=
|author-link=
  |publisher=Australian College of Paediatrics
  |publisher=Australian College of Paediatrics
|website=
  |date=1996-05-27
  |date=1996-05-27
|update=
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
|format=
|quote=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


The Australian Medical Association (2003) issued a warning (based on the Spilsbury paper<ref name="spilsbury2003">{{REFjournal
The ''Australian Medical Association'' (2003) issued a warning (based on the Spilsbury paper)<ref name="spilsbury2003">{{REFjournal
  |last=Spilbury
  |last=Spilbury
|first=
  |init=K
  |init=K
|author-link=
  |last2=Semmens
  |last2=Semmens
|first2=
  |init2=JB
  |init2=JB
|author2-link=
  |last3=Wisniewski
  |last3=Wisniewski
|first3=
  |init3=ZB
  |init3=ZB
|author3-link=
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title= Circumcision for phimosis and other medical indications in Western Australian boys.
  |title=Circumcision for phimosis and other medical indications in Western Australian boys
|trans-title=
|language=
  |journal=Med J Aust
  |journal=Med J Aust
|location=
  |date=2003-02-17
  |date=2003-02-17
  |volume=17
  |volume=17
  |issue=4
  |issue=4
|article=
|page=
  |pages=155-8
  |pages=155-8
  |url=https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2003/178/4/circumcision-phimosis-and-other-medical-indications-western-australian-boys
  |url=https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2003/178/4/circumcision-phimosis-and-other-medical-indications-western-australian-boys
|archived=
|quote=
  |pubmedID=12580740
  |pubmedID=12580740
|pubmedCID=
  |DOI=0.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05130.x
  |DOI=0.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05130.x
  |accessdate=2021-12-16
  |accessdate=2021-12-16
}}</ref>) that circumcision to treat phimosis in boys is usually unnecessary.<ref name="ama2003">{{REFweb
}}</ref> that circumcision to treat phimosis in boys is usually unnecessary.<ref name="ama2003">{{REFweb
  |url=https://www.ama.com.au/media/warning-unnecessary-child-circumcision
  |url=https://www.ama.com.au/media/warning-unnecessary-child-circumcision
|archived=
  |title=Warning on unnecessary child circumcision
  |title=Warning on unnecessary child circumcision
|trans-title=
|language=
  |last=Tokley
  |last=Tokley
  |first=Judith
  |first=Judith
|author-link=
  |publisher=Australian Medical Association
  |publisher=Australian Medical Association
|website=
  |date=2003-02-13
  |date=2003-02-13
  |accessdate=2021-12-16
  |accessdate=2021-12-16
}}</ref>
The <i>Australian Medical Association</i> (2007) said it would support laws to ban the non-essential [[circumcision]] of infant boys.<ref>{{REFnews
|title=Doctors back call for circumcision ban
|url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-12-09_abc.php
|last=Anonymous
|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation
|website=
|date=2007-12-09
|accessdate=2024-07-27
  |format=
  |format=
  |quote=
  |quote=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==Non-therapeutic circumcision and Australian law==
== Non-therapeutic circumcision and Australian law ==
=== International human rights law ===
Australia is a state-party to the United Nations ''[https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CCPR.aspx Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]'' (1966) and to the United Nations ''[https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx Convention on the Rights of the Child]'' (1989), both of which provide various [[human rights]] to children, which are violated by non-therapeutic child circumcision.  
Australia is a state-party to the United Nations ''[https://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CCPR.aspx Covenant on Civil and Political Rights]'' (1966) and to the United Nations ''[https://www.ohchr.org/en/professionalinterest/pages/crc.aspx Convention on the Rights of the Child]'' (1989), both of which provide various [[human rights]] to children, which are violated by non-therapeutic child circumcision.  
 
=== Australian domestic law ===
The legality of non-therapeutic circumcision of boys has been considered several times.
The legality of non-therapeutic circumcision of boys has been considered several times.


The [https://www.qlrc.qld.gov.au/ Queensland Law Reform Commission] (1993) researched the legality of non-therapeutic circumcision of children. The Commission concluded:
The [https://www.qlrc.qld.gov.au/ Queensland Law Reform Commission] (1993) researched the legality of non-therapeutic circumcision of children. The Commission concluded:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
The common law operating in Queensland appears to be that if the young person is unable, through lack of maturity or other disability, to give effective consent to a proposed procedure and if the nature of the proposed treatment is invasive, irreversible and major surgery and for non-therapeutic purposes, then court approval is required before such treatment can proceed. The court will not approve the treatment unless it is necessary and in the young person's best interests. The basis of this attitude is the respect which must be paid to an individual's bodily integrity.<ref name="qlrc1993">{{REFdocument
The common law operating in Queensland appears to be that if the young person is unable, through lack of maturity or other disability, to give effective consent to a proposed procedure and if the nature of the proposed treatment is invasive, irreversible and major surgery and for non-therapeutic purposes, then court approval is required before such treatment can proceed. The court will not approve the treatment unless it is necessary and in the young person's best interests. The basis of this attitude is the respect which must be paid to an individual's bodily integrity.<ref name="qlrc1993">{{REFdocument
  |title=Circumcision of Male Infants Research Paper
  |title=Circumcision of Male Infants Research Paper
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/legal/QLRC/
  |url=http://www.cirp.org/library/legal/QLRC/
|contribution=
|last=
|first=
  |publisher=Queenland Law Reform Commission
  |publisher=Queenland Law Reform Commission
|format=
  |date=1993
  |date=1993
  |accessdate=2019-10-31
  |accessdate=2019-10-31
Line 242: Line 244:


[[Davis Richards]] (1996) discussed non-therapeutic circumcision of boys. He concluded:
[[Davis Richards]] (1996) discussed non-therapeutic circumcision of boys. He concluded:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ritual male circumcision is non-therapeutic and is not warranted or justified by medical evidence. This form of mutilation should not be legally distinguished from female circumcision which is a form of female genital mutilation presently in the process of being prohibited throughout Australia and the Western world. As ritual male circumcision is non-therapeutic, may be against public policy, and clearly is not in the best interests of the child, a parent's consent may be vitiated, leaving persons involved in the procedure liable in negligence, notwithstanding parental religious beliefs. Alternatively, if a medical practitioner fails to give the parent reasonable information on the risks of and alternatives to ritual circumcision, the practitioner may also be liable in negligence.<ref name="richards1996">{{REFjournal
Ritual male circumcision is non-therapeutic and is not warranted or justified by medical evidence. This form of mutilation should not be legally distinguished from female circumcision which is a form of female genital mutilation presently in the process of being prohibited throughout Australia and the Western world. As ritual male circumcision is non-therapeutic, may be against public policy, and clearly is not in the best interests of the child, a parent's consent may be vitiated, leaving persons involved in the procedure liable in negligence, notwithstanding parental religious beliefs. Alternatively, if a medical practitioner fails to give the parent reasonable information on the risks of and alternatives to ritual circumcision, the practitioner may also be liable in negligence.<ref name="richards1996">{{REFjournal
Line 274: Line 277:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Boyle et al. (2000) suggested that non-therapeutic circumcision of boys is "criminal assault." They concluded:
[[Gregory J. Boyle| Boyle]] et al. (2000) suggested that non-therapeutic circumcision of boys is "criminal assault." They concluded:
 
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
Enforced non-therapeutic genital cutting of unconsenting minors is overdue for recognition by the legal community as sexual mutilation. As we enter the 21st Century, appropriate legal action must be taken to safeguard the physical [[genital integrity]] of male children.<ref>{{REFjournal
Enforced non-therapeutic genital cutting of unconsenting minors is overdue for recognition by the legal community as sexual mutilation. As we enter the 21st Century, appropriate legal action must be taken to safeguard the physical [[genital integrity]] of male children.<ref>{{BoyleGJ SvobodaJS PriceCP TurnerJN 2000}}</ref>
|last=Boyle
|first=Gregory J.
|init=GJ
|author-link=Gregory J. Boyle
|last2=Svoboda
|first2=J. Steven
|init2=JS
|author2-link=J. Steven Svoboda
|last3=Price
|first3=Christopher P.
|init3=CP
|author3-link=
|last4=Turner
|first4=J. Neville
|init4=JN
|author4-link=J. Neville Turner
|etal=no
|title=Circumcision of Healthy Boys: Criminal Assault?
|trans-title=
|language=
|journal=J Law Med
|location=
|date=2000-02
|volume=7
|issue=
|pages=301-10
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/legal/boyle1/
|quote=
|pubmedID=
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=
|accessdate=2019-10-31
}}</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute recommended in a [https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/302829/Non-Therapuetic-Circ_Final-Report-August-2012.pdf 101-page report] that non-therapeutic circumcision of boys be made unlawful in Tasmania.<ref>{{REFnews
The ''Tasmanian Law Reform Institute'' recommended in a [https://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/302829/Non-Therapuetic-Circ_Final-Report-August-2012.pdf 101-page report] that non-therapeutic circumcision of boys be made unlawful in Tasmania.<ref>{{REFnews
  |title=Tasmania moves a step closer to circumcision ban
  |title=Tasmania moves a step closer to circumcision ban
  |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tasmania-moves-a-step-closer-to-circumcision-ban-20120821-24ju9.html
  |url=https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tasmania-moves-a-step-closer-to-circumcision-ban-20120821-24ju9.html
Line 322: Line 293:
  |accessdate=2021-09-23
  |accessdate=2021-09-23
  |quote=Costs of the procedure included significant [[pain]], and a potential reduction in sexual pleasure.…"Trauma from circumcision in childhood can also have a long lasting and significant effect on a person's mental health," the report said.
  |quote=Costs of the procedure included significant [[pain]], and a potential reduction in sexual pleasure.…"Trauma from circumcision in childhood can also have a long lasting and significant effect on a person's mental health," the report said.
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Line 336: Line 305:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Despite the criticism in the above referenced papers, there has been no legislative or judicial action to protect boys in Australia from medically-unnecessary non-therapeutic [[circumcision]].
Despite the criticism in the above referenced papers, there has been no legislative or judicial action to protect boys in Australia from medically-unnecessary, non-therapeutic [[circumcision]].
 
== Circumcision in the 21st Century ==


==Circumcision in the 21st Century==
The [[Sixth International Symposium]] on Genital Integrity convened in [https://www.wesleycollege-usyd.edu.au/ Wesley College] at the {{UNI|University of Sydney|USYD}}, Sydney, {{AUSC|NSW}}, Australia on December 7-9, 2000. Professor [[Gregory J. Boyle]] gave the keynote address.
The [[Sixth International Symposium]] on Genital Integrity convened in [https://www.wesleycollege-usyd.edu.au/ Wesley College] at the {{UNI|University of Sydney|USYD}}, Sydney, {{AUSC|NSW}}, Australia on December 7-9, 2000. Professor [[Gregory J. Boyle]] gave the keynote address.


Line 369: Line 339:
  |first=Deanna
  |first=Deanna
  |init=D
  |init=D
|author-link=
  |last2=Macdonald
  |last2=Macdonald
  |first2=Malcolm
  |first2=Malcolm
  |init2=M
  |init2=M
|author2-link=
  |year=2009
  |year=2009
  |title=A Picture of Australia's Children 2009
  |title=A Picture of Australia's Children 2009
  |url=https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/7f635082-69ca-4709-ae0f-52474a744cd1/phe-112-10704.pdf.aspx?inline=true
  |url=https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/7f635082-69ca-4709-ae0f-52474a744cd1/phe-112-10704.pdf.aspx?inline=true
|work=
|editor=
|edition=
|volume=
  |chapter=4
  |chapter=4
  |pages=12-16
  |pages=12-16
  |location=Canberra
  |location=Canberra
  |publisher=Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
  |publisher=Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
  |isbn=SBN 978 1 74024 929 4
  |isbn=9781740249294
|quote=
  |accessdate=2019-10-19
  |accessdate=2019-10-19
|note=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


The former Australian College of Paediatrics was merged into the [[Royal Australasian College of Physicians]] (RACP), which has issued a statement on non-therapeutic child circumcision. The statement (2010) states:
The former ''Australian College of Paediatrics'' was merged into the [[Royal Australasian College of Physicians]] (RACP), which has issued a statement on non-therapeutic child circumcision. The statement (2010) states:
 
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
After reviewing the currently available evidence, the [[RACP]] believes that the frequency of diseases modifiable by circumcision, the level of protection offered by circumcision and the complication rates of circumcision do not warrant routine infant circumcision in Australia and [[New Zealand]]. However it is reasonable for parents to weigh the benefits and risks of circumcision and to make the decision whether or not to circumcise their sons.
After reviewing the currently available evidence, the [[RACP]] believes that the frequency of diseases modifiable by circumcision, the level of protection offered by circumcision and the complication rates of circumcision do not warrant routine infant circumcision in Australia and [[New Zealand]]. However it is reasonable for parents to weigh the benefits and risks of circumcision and to make the decision whether or not to circumcise their sons.
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
But the statement also says:
But the statement also says:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
The option of leaving circumcision until later, when the boy is old enough to make a decision for himself does need to be raised with parents and considered. This option has recently been recommended by the Royal Dutch Medical Association. The ethical merit of this option is that it seeks to respect the child’s physical integrity, and capacity for autonomy by leaving the options open for him to make his own autonomous choice in the future.<ref name="racp2010">{{REFdocument
The option of leaving circumcision until later, when the boy is old enough to make a decision for himself does need to be raised with parents and considered. This option has recently been recommended by the Royal Dutch Medical Association. The ethical merit of this option is that it seeks to respect the child’s physical integrity, and capacity for autonomy by leaving the options open for him to make his own autonomous choice in the future.<ref name="racp2010">{{REFdocument
  |title=Circumcision of Infant Males
  |title=Circumcision of Infant Males
  |url=https://www.racp.edu.au//docs/default-source/advocacy-library/circumcision-of-infant-males.pdf?sfvrsn=eaa32f1a_10
  |url=https://www.racp.edu.au//docs/default-source/advocacy-library/circumcision-of-infant-males.pdf?sfvrsn=eaa32f1a_10
|contribution=
|last=
|first=
  |publisher=[[Royal Australasian College of Physicians]]
  |publisher=[[Royal Australasian College of Physicians]]
  |format=PDF
  |format=PDF
Line 410: Line 372:
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


[[Robert Darby| Darby]] (2011) collected circumcision statistics from the various Australian states and territories. Darby reported a high rate of 17.3 percent in New South Wales in 2010 and a low of 1.5 percent in Tasmania in the same year. Other states fell in between.<ref>{{REFjournal
The [[RACP]], a [[medical trade association]], retired this [http://www.intactaus.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RACP-statement.pdf 2010 statement] in December 2022, when it issued a new statement that was ''not'' an improvement.
 
[[Robert Darby|Darby]] (2011) collected circumcision statistics from the various Australian states and territories. Darby reported a high rate of 17.3 percent in New South Wales in 2010 and a low of 1.5 percent in Tasmania in the same year. Other states fell in between.<ref>{{REFjournal
  |last=Darby
  |last=Darby
  |first=Robert
  |first=Robert
Line 433: Line 397:
Sliwinski et al. (2014) of the Department of Urology at the {{UNI|University of Melbourne|UM}} reported a case of [[Fournier gangrene]] in a 24-year-old man who had an elective non-therapeutic circumcision for “prophylactic hygiene reasons”. There was extensive debridement of infected tissue, which resulted in deficit of skin which was resolved by the use of a pedicle flap from the anterior abdominal wall, after which the patient recovered.<ref>{{REFjournal
Sliwinski et al. (2014) of the Department of Urology at the {{UNI|University of Melbourne|UM}} reported a case of [[Fournier gangrene]] in a 24-year-old man who had an elective non-therapeutic circumcision for “prophylactic hygiene reasons”. There was extensive debridement of infected tissue, which resulted in deficit of skin which was resolved by the use of a pedicle flap from the anterior abdominal wall, after which the patient recovered.<ref>{{REFjournal
  |last=Sliwinsk
  |last=Sliwinsk
|first=
  |init=A
  |init=A
|author-link=
  |last2=Kavanagh
  |last2=Kavanagh
|first2=
  |init2=LE
  |init2=LE
|author2-link=
  |last3=Bolton
  |last3=Bolton
|first3=
  |init3=D
  |init3=D
|author3-link=
  |last4=Lawrentschuk
  |last4=Lawrentschuk
|first4=
  |init4=N
  |init4=N
|author4-link=
  |last5=Crock
  |last5=Crock
|first5=
  |init5=JG
  |init5=JG
|author5-link=
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title=Fournier’s gangrene - delayed pedicle flap based upon the anterior abdominal wall
  |title=Fournier’s gangrene - delayed pedicle flap based upon the anterior abdominal wall
|trans-title=
|language=
  |journal=Int Braz J urol  
  |journal=Int Braz J urol  
|location=
  |date=2014
  |date=2014
  |volume=40
  |volume=40
  |issue=3
  |issue=3
|article=
|page=
  |pages=423-6
  |pages=423-6
  |url=https://www.scielo.br/j/ibju/a/TC3tkRhqGS8577ywNNkJ8dj/?lang=en
  |url=https://www.scielo.br/j/ibju/a/TC3tkRhqGS8577ywNNkJ8dj/?lang=en
|archived=
|quote=
  |pubmedID=25010310
  |pubmedID=25010310
  |pubmedCID=
  |pubmedCID=
Line 473: Line 420:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Na et al. (2015) considered whether Australian boys should be circumcised. They concluded:
Na et al. (2015) considered whether Australian boys should be [[circumcised]]. They concluded:
 
<blockquote>In conclusion, although there is a benefit of circumcision in those with urogenital tract anomalies, in a healthy newborn,the disease in the foreskin is non-existent. There is insufficient scientific evidence to support routine newborn circumcision in Australia done for UTI risk and [[HIV]] transmission issues alone. Therefore, any surgical complication and financial cost of routine newborn circumcision for these reasons in Australia currently cannot be justified. From a medical point of view, the‘price’ is still too high.<ref name="na2015">{{REFjournal
<blockquote>In conclusion, although there is a benefit of circumcision in those with urogenital tract anomalies, in a healthy newborn,the disease in the foreskin is non-existent. There is insufficient scientific evidence to support routine newborn circumcision in Australia done for UTI risk and [[HIV]] transmission issues alone. Therefore, any surgical complication and financial cost of routine newborn circumcision for these reasons in Australia currently cannot be justified. From a medical point of view, the‘price’ is still too high.<ref name="na2015">{{REFjournal
  |last=Na
  |last=Na
  |first=Angelika F.
  |first=Angelika F.
  |init=AF
  |init=AF
|author-link=
  |last2=Tanny
  |last2=Tanny
  |first2=Sharman P.T.
  |first2=Sharman P.T.
  |init2=SPT
  |init2=SPT
|author2-link=
  |last3=Hutson
  |last3=Hutson
  |first3=John M.
  |first3=John M.
  |init3=JM
  |init3=JM
|author3-link=
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title=Circumcision: Is it worth it for 21st-century Australian boys?
  |title=Circumcision: Is it worth it for 21st-century Australian boys?
|trans-title=
|language=2015
  |journal=J Paediatr Child Health
  |journal=J Paediatr Child Health
|location=
  |date=2015
  |date=2015
|accessdate=2019-10-29
  |volume=51
  |volume=51
|issue=
  |pages=580-3
  |pages=580-3
  |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpc.12825
  |url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpc.12825
|quote=
  |pubmedID=25683279
  |pubmedID=25683279
|pubmedCID=
  |DOI=10.1111/jpc.12825
  |DOI=10.1111/jpc.12825
|accessdate=2019-10-29
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


Oddly enough, The [https://www.humanservices.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals?utm_id=9 federal Medicare programme] still pays an inadequate [[third-party payment]] of AU$35.45 for non-therapeutic circumcision.<ref>{{REFweb
Oddly enough, the [https://www.humanservices.gov.au/organisations/health-professionals?utm_id=9 federal Medicare programme] still pays an inadequate [[third-party payment]] of AU$35.45 for non-therapeutic circumcision.<ref>{{REFweb
  |url=http://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=30654&qt=item
  |url=http://www9.health.gov.au/mbs/fullDisplay.cfm?type=item&q=30654&qt=item
  |title=Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 30654
  |title=Medicare Benefits Schedule - Item 30654
|last=
|first=
  |accessdate=2019-11-02
  |accessdate=2019-11-02
}}</ref> This subsidy exists for political reasons, not medical reasons.<ref name="darby1985">{{REFjournal
}}</ref> This subsidy exists for political reasons, not medical reasons.<ref name="darby1985">{{REFjournal
Line 519: Line 456:
  |etal=no
  |etal=no
  |title=Scientific Advice, Traditional Practices and the Politics of Health-Care: The Australian Debate over Public Funding of Non-Therapeutic Circumcision, 1985
  |title=Scientific Advice, Traditional Practices and the Politics of Health-Care: The Australian Debate over Public Funding of Non-Therapeutic Circumcision, 1985
|trans-title=
|language=
  |journal=Hygiea Internationalis
  |journal=Hygiea Internationalis
|location=
  |date=2011
  |date=2011
  |volume=10
  |volume=10
|issue=
  |pages=53-73
  |pages=53-73
  |url=https://docplayer.net/5261996-.html
  |url=https://docplayer.net/5261996-.html
|quote=
|pubmedID=
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=
  |accessdate=2019-11-02
  |accessdate=2019-11-02
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
<!-- This information is dubious. On 18 September 2020 the Department of Health announced changes in the Medicare medical benefit schedule. Effective 1 November 2020, claims submitted for circumcision must be for "clinically relevant" circumcision. In other words, non-therapeutic circumcision will no longer be covered and no payment will be made.<ref name="medicare2020">{{REFdocument
<!-- This information is dubious. On 18 September 2020 the Department of Health announced changes in the Medicare medical benefit schedule. Effective 1 November 2020, claims submitted for circumcision must be for "clinically relevant" circumcision. In other words, non-therapeutic circumcision will no longer be covered and no payment will be made.<ref name="medicare2020">{{REFdocument
|title=Circumcision on the MBS
  |url=http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/1C7B3AED38006462CA2585E80009D95C/$File/factsheet-Circumcision-20200918.pdf
  |url=http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/1C7B3AED38006462CA2585E80009D95C/$File/factsheet-Circumcision-20200918.pdf
  |contribution=
  |title=Circumcision on the MBS
|last=
|first=
  |publisher=Australian Government Department of Health  
  |publisher=Australian Government Department of Health  
  |format=PDF
  |format=PDF
Line 547: Line 473:
===Continuing decline in practice of non-therapeutic circumcision===
===Continuing decline in practice of non-therapeutic circumcision===
Na, Tanny & Hutson (2015) discussed the matter of non-therapeutic circumcision of children in Australia. They concluded:
Na, Tanny & Hutson (2015) discussed the matter of non-therapeutic circumcision of children in Australia. They concluded:
<blockquote>There is insufficient scientific evidence to support routine newborn circumcision in Australia done for UTI risk and [[HIV]] transmission issues alone. Therefore, any surgical complication and financial cost of routine newborn circumcision for these reasons in Australia currently cannot be justified. From a medical point of view, the ‘price’ is still too high.<ref>{{REFjournal
 
|last=Na
<blockquote>There is insufficient scientific evidence to support routine newborn circumcision in Australia done for UTI risk and [[HIV]] transmission issues alone. Therefore, any surgical complication and financial cost of routine newborn circumcision for these reasons in Australia currently cannot be justified. From a medical point of view, the ‘price’ is still too high.<ref name="na2015"/></blockquote>
|first=Angelika F.
|init=AF
|author-link=
|last2=Tanny
|first2=Sherman P.T.
|init2=SPT
|author2-link=
|last3=Hutson
|first3=John M.
|init3=JM
|author3-link=
|etal=no
|title=Circumcision: Is it worth it for 21st-century Australian boys?
|trans-title=
|language=
|journal=Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|location=
|date=2015
|volume=51
|issue=
|pages=580-3
|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jpc.12825
|quote=
|pubmedID=25683279
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=10.1111/jpc.12825
|accessdate=2019-12-16
}}</ref></blockquote>


The incidence of non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] of children in Australia has continued to diminish. [[Circumcision Info Australia| Circumcision Information Australia]] (2017) reported an incidence of infant circumcision of 9.66 percent in fiscal 2015.<ref>{{REFweb
The incidence of non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] of children in Australia has continued to diminish. [[Circumcision Info Australia| Circumcision Information Australia]] (2017) reported an incidence of infant circumcision of 9.66 percent in fiscal 2015.<ref>{{REFweb
Line 586: Line 484:
}}</ref> The majority of living Australian males are [[intact]]. The percentage of living intact males increases year-by-year.
}}</ref> The majority of living Australian males are [[intact]]. The percentage of living intact males increases year-by-year.


Circumcision Information Australia (CIA) (2018) reports:
Circumcision Information Australia (CIA) (2018) reported:
 
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
According to a report on SBS,<ref>{{REFweb
According to a report on SBS,<ref>{{REFweb
Line 603: Line 502:
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/news_2018.html#fall
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/news_2018.html#fall
  |title=Foreskins rule! Australians rush to abandon circumcision
  |title=Foreskins rule! Australians rush to abandon circumcision
|trans-title=
|language=
|last=
|first=
|author-link=
  |publisher=Circumcision Information Australia
  |publisher=Circumcision Information Australia
|website=
  |date=2018
  |date=2018
  |accessdate=2019-11-06
  |accessdate=2019-11-06
|format=
|quote=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
Line 620: Line 511:
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/index.php
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/index.php
  |title=Circumcision in Australia
  |title=Circumcision in Australia
|last=
|first=
  |accessdate=2020-12-14
  |accessdate=2020-12-14
}} </ref>
}} </ref>


However, traditional male genital mutilation remains popular among [[Aborigines]] in the Northern Territory where it is supported by the local government.<ref>{{REFnews
[[Circumcision Law Reform]] (2024) reports that about 22,000 circumcisions are performed in Australia each year, of which 15,000 to 18,000 are performed on minor patients.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://circumcisionlawreform.org/about/
|title=CLR
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|publisher=Circumcision Law Reform
|date=
|accessdate=2024-02-03
}}</ref> The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported 154,281 male births in 2022.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/births-australia/latest-release
|title=Births, Australia
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|publisher=Australian Bureau of Statistics
|date=2023-10-18
|accessdate=2024-02-03
}}</ref> This provides an estimated incidence of medically-unnecessary, injurious circumcision of 9.7 percent to 11.6 percent.
 
However, traditional [[MGM| male genital mutilation]] remains popular among [[Aborigines]] in the Northern Territory where it is supported by the local government.<ref>{{REFnews
|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-22/nt-elders-concede-to-mistakes-in-ritual-circumcision/5213526
  |title=Anger in NT community after circumcision rite ends with three boys airlifted to hospital
  |title=Anger in NT community after circumcision rite ends with three boys airlifted to hospital
|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-22/nt-elders-concede-to-mistakes-in-ritual-circumcision/5213526
  |last= Hermant
  |last= Hermant
  |first=Norman
  |first=Norman
Line 633: Line 542:
  |first2=Alison
  |first2=Alison
  |publisher=ABC News
  |publisher=ABC News
|website=
  |date=2014-01-22
  |date=2014-01-22
  |accessdate=2021-11-19
  |accessdate=2021-11-19
|quote=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


===Circumcision death===
=== Circumcision death ===
A Seville Grove, {{AUSC|WA}} family presented two brothers for elective non-therapeutic circumcision surgery at Gosnells Medical Clinic (A medical clinic populated by Muslims) on 7 December 2021.


The healthy two-year-old was circumcised at [http://www.gosnellsmedicalclinic.com.au/ Gosnells Medical Clinic] in Gosnells, WA, on 7 December 2021.  
A Seville Grove, {{AUSC|WA}} Muslim family presented two brothers for elective non-therapeutic circumcision surgery at Gosnells Medical Clinic (A medical clinic populated by Muslims) on 7 December 2021. The healthy two-year-old was circumcised at [http://www.gosnellsmedicalclinic.com.au/ Gosnells Medical Clinic] in Gosnells, {{AUSC|WA}}, on 7 December 2021. His healthy seven-month-old brother also had a non-therapeutic circumcision on the same date. The two circumcisions were performed by family doctor and general practitioner Dr. [[Raad Hassan]]. Opinions about Dr. Hassan are mixed.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://www.ratemds.com/doctor-ratings/3198480/Dr-Raad-Hassan-Perth-WA.html/
|title=Dr. Raad Hassan
|last=
|first=
|init=
|publisher=Rate MDs
|date=
|accessdate=2024-02-02
}}</ref>
 
The two boys were discharged to their home after their circumcisions.
St. John Ambulance Service was called to the home for the two boys in the evening. A spokeswoman from [https://stjohn.org.au/ St John Ambulance] confirmed the toddler was in a ‘critical condition’ when emergency workers arrived at the home at about 6:30 pm.<ref>{{REFnews
|url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10287861/Toddler-2-dies-baby-brother-fighting-life-botched-circumcisions.html
|title=Likely cause of WA toddler’s death after circumcision revealed
|last=Foster
|first=Ally
|init=A
|website=news.com.au
|date=2021-12-10
|accessdate=2021-12-16
}}</ref><ref>{{REFnews
|url=https://olxpraca.com/a-two-year-old-child-from-seville-grove-in-perth-washington-died-after-a-failed-circumcision/
|title=A two-year-old child from Seville Grove in Perth, Western Australia, died after a failed circumcision
|publisher=Olx Praca
|date=2021-12-09
|accessdate=2021-12-16
}}</ref> The two boys were transported to nearby [https://ahs.health.wa.gov.au/ Armadale Hospital].


His healthy seven-month-old brother, who also had a non-therapeutic circumcision on the same date, narrowly survived [[Bleeding| hemorrhage]] after emergency surgery at [https://www.pch.health.wa.gov.au/ Perth Children's Hospital] and spending the night in intensive care.<ref name="white2021">{{REFnews
The seven-month-old boy narrowly survived [[Bleeding| hemorrhage]] after emergency surgery at [https://www.pch.health.wa.gov.au/ Perth Children's Hospital] and spending the night in intensive care.<ref name="white2021">{{REFnews
|url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10287861/Toddler-2-dies-baby-brother-fighting-life-botched-circumcisions.html
  |title=Toddler, 2, dies and his baby brother is fighting for life 'after botched circumcisions' as homicide cops are called to investigate
  |title=Toddler, 2, dies and his baby brother is fighting for life 'after botched circumcisions' as homicide cops are called to investigate
|url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10287861/Toddler-2-dies-baby-brother-fighting-life-botched-circumcisions.html
  |last=White
  |last=White
  |first=Nic
  |first=Nic
  |init=
  |init=N
|author-link=
|last2=
|init2=
|author2-link=
  |publisher=Daily Mail
  |publisher=Daily Mail
|website=
  |date=2021-12-08
  |date=2021-12-08
  |accessdate=2021-12-08
  |accessdate=2021-12-08
|quote=
}}</ref><ref>{{REFnews
}}</ref><ref>{{REFnews
|url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/toddler-dies-baby-fighting-for-life-after-allegedly-botched-circumcision-at-perth-medical-clinic/news-story/41628ee49bf89a56d1f244aca7ee13a7
  |title=Toddler dies, baby fighting for life after allegedly botched circumcision at Perth medical clinic
  |title=Toddler dies, baby fighting for life after allegedly botched circumcision at Perth medical clinic
|url=https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/toddler-dies-baby-fighting-for-life-after-allegedly-botched-circumcision-at-perth-medical-clinic/news-story/41628ee49bf89a56d1f244aca7ee13a7
|last=
|first=
|init=
|author-link=
|last2=
|init2=
|author2-link=
|publisher=
  |website=news.com.au
  |website=news.com.au
  |date=2021-12-08
  |date=2021-12-08
  |accessdate=2021-12-08
  |accessdate=2021-12-08
|quote=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


The two newly [[circumcised]] boys were discharged to their home in Seville Grove from Gosnells Medical Clinic.
The two-year-old toddler died from complications of a non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] operation. He was declared dead-on-arrival at [https://emhs.health.wa.gov.au/Hospitals-and-Services/Hospitals/AHS Armadale Hospital] in the late evening of of 7 December.


St. John Ambulance service was called to the home for the two boys in the evening. A spokeswoman from [https://stjohn.org.au/ St John Ambulance] confirmed the toddler was in a ‘critical condition’ when emergency workers arrived at the home at about 6:30 pm.<ref>{{REFnews
His younger brother was transferred to [https://www.pch.health.wa.gov.au/ Perth Children's Hospital] for emergency surgery to stop the hemorrhage.<ref name="white2021"/>
  |title=Likely cause of WA toddler’s death after circumcision revealed
 
  |url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10287861/Toddler-2-dies-baby-brother-fighting-life-botched-circumcisions.html
[https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-09/boy-dies-after-circumcision-in-perth-southern-suburbs/100687108 The homicide police have referred the death of the two-year-old toddler to the coroner for investigation].<ref name="white2021"/>
  |last=Foster
 
  |first=Ally
Coroner Robyn Hartley has determined two-year old David Kalunga Flynn died from an overdose of morphine. The inquest found that Dr. Raad Hassan failed to monitor the two-year-old boy. He has been referred to the Western Australia medical "watchdog" for further action.<ref>{{REFnews
  |title=WA doctor Raad Hassan referred to health regulators over death of Perth boy following circumcision
  |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-22/gosnells-circumcision-death-coroner-finding-against-wa-doctor/105678826
  |last=Shepherd
  |first=Briana
  |init=
  |init=
  |author-link=
  |author-link=
  |last2=
  |last2=Kagi
  |init2=
  |init2=Blake
  |author2-link=
  |author2-link=
  |publisher=
  |publisher=Australia Broadcasting Corporation
  |website=news.com.au
  |website=ABC
  |date=2021-12-10
  |date=2028-08-22
|accessdate=2021-12-16
|accessdate=2028-08-30
  |quote=
  |format=
}}</ref> <ref>{{REFnews
  |quote=While Mrs Flynn was trying to come to terms with that news, she was told Joseph needed to be transferred to Perth Children's Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery to control bleeding from his frenular artery, damaged during the circumcision.
  |title=A two-year-old child from Seville Grove in Perth, Western Australia, died after a failed circumcision.
}}</ref>
|url=https://olxpraca.com/a-two-year-old-child-from-seville-grove-in-perth-washington-died-after-a-failed-circumcision/
|last=
|first=
|init=
|author-link=
|last2=
|init2=
|author2-link=
|publisher=Olx Praca
|website=
|date=2021-12-09
|accessdate=2021-12-16
|quote=
}}</ref> The two boys were transported to nearby Armadale Hospital.


The two-year-old toddler died from complications of a non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] operation. He was declared dead-on-arrival at [https://emhs.health.wa.gov.au/Hospitals-and-Services/Hospitals/AHS| Armadale Hospital] in the late evening of of 7 December.
=== AMA warns against circumcision ===


His younger brother was transferred to Perth Children's Hospital for emergency surgery to stop the hemorrhage.<ref name="white2021" />
[https://www.amawa.com.au/news/mark-duncan-smith-elected-as-new-president-of-ama-wa/ Dr Mark Duncan-Smith], the president of the AMA (WA), issued a warning to parents on 10 December 2021 regarding non-therapeutic child [[circumcision]]. Dr. Duncan-Smith said parents should only "follow through with the procedure if there is a valid medical reason." According to Dr Duncan-Smith only about ten percent of boys in Western Australia are now being [[circumcised]].<ref>{{REFnews
|url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10293843/Circumcision-warning-two-year-old-dies-brother-bleeds-Western-Australia.html
|title=Parents are warned against circumcising their children after a toddler, 2, died 'of a reaction to anaesthetic' and his baby brother almost bled out
|last=Wondracz
|first=Aidan
|init=A
|publisher=Daily Mail
|date=2021-12-09
|accessdate=2021-12-12
}}</ref>


The homicide police have referred the death of the two-year-old toddler to the coroner for investigation.<ref name="white2021" />
=== RACP issues new circumcision statement ===
The [[RACP]], a [[medical trade association]], issued a new 18-page promotional policy statement, entitled ''Circumcision of infant males'', in December 2022.<ref name="RACP2022">{{REFdocument
|url=https://www.racp.edu.au//docs/default-source/advocacy-library/racp-circumcision-of-infant-males-position-statement.pdf
|title=Circumcision of Infant Males
|date=2022-12
|last=RACP
|format=PDF
|accessdate=2023-11-17
}}</ref>


===AMA warns against circumcision===
The statement failed to mention the circumcision [[death]] in Perth, nor did it mention the advice of Dr. Mark Duncan Smith, then President of the [https://www.ama.com.au/ Australian Medical Association] that infant [[circumcision]] should be done only when a medical indication is present.<ref>{{REFnews
 
|url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10293843/Circumcision-warning-two-year-old-dies-brother-bleeds-Western-Australia.html
[https://www.amawa.com.au/news/mark-duncan-smith-elected-as-new-president-of-ama-wa/ Dr Mark Duncan-Smith], the president of the AMA (WA), issued a warning to parents on 10 December 2021 regarding non-therapeutic child [[circumcision]]. Dr. Duncan-Smith said parents should only "follow through with the procedure if there is a valid medical reason." According to Dr Duncan-Smith only about ten percent of boys in Western Australia are now being circumcised.<ref>{{REFnews
  |title=Parents are warned against circumcising their children after a toddler, 2, died 'of a reaction to anaesthetic' and his baby brother almost bled out
  |title=Parents are warned against circumcising their children after a toddler, 2, died 'of a reaction to anaesthetic' and his baby brother almost bled out
|url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10293843/Circumcision-warning-two-year-old-dies-brother-bleeds-Western-Australia.html
  |last=Wondracz
  |last=Wondracz
  |first=Aidan
  |first=Aidan
|init=A
|publisher=Daily Mail
|date=2021-12-09
|accessdate=2023-11-20
}}</ref>
=== Doctor-mohel amputates the penis of two boys ===
Jewish doctor & ''[[mohel]]'' [[Hershel Goldman]] has amputated the [[penis]] from two boys while performing a [[Brit Milah]] in Victoria. The [https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/ Medical Board of Australia] (2024) has now banned him from performing [[circumcision]].<ref>{{REFnews
|title=Top circumcision doctor is banned from performing the operations after amputating two little boys' penises, tribunal hears
|url=https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13455661/Circumcision-doctor-Hershel-Goldman-fighting-ban.html
|last=Lackey
|first=Brett
  |init=
  |init=
  |author-link=
  |author-link=
Line 730: Line 664:
  |publisher=Daily Mail
  |publisher=Daily Mail
  |website=
  |website=
  |date=2021-12-09
  |date=2024-05-24
  |accessdate=2021-12-12
  |accessdate=2024-05-25
|format=
  |quote=
  |quote=
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
===Circumcision is a disability===
[[Dale Andersen| Dale Andersen-Giberson]], MSW, RSW. (2025) has described the disabilities caused by [[circumcision]].<ref name="andersen2025">{{REFjournal
|last=Andersen-Giberson
|init=D
|author-link=Dale Andersen
|url=https://cdd.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cdd/article/view/39786/36016
|title=Circumcision and forced disability: Routine male neonatal circumcision and the consequences of amputation within a critical disability studies framework
|journal=Critical Disability Discourses
|date=2025-12
|volume=10
|issue=2
|pages=1-37
|URL=https://cdd.journals.yorku.ca/index.php/cdd/article/view/39786/36016
|DOI=https://doi.org/10.25071/1918-6215.39786
|quote=In a critical disability studies framework, it is argued that the act of amputating healthy erogenous tissue and the consequences of that amputation cause disability, particularly from a counter-hegemonic lens.
|format=PDF
|accessdate=2026-03-14
}}</ref>
== The current situation in Australia ==


The [https://auspaediatrics.org.au/ Australian Pædiatric Association] resolved in 1971 "that newborn male infants should not, as a routine, be circumcised." This decision was announced in a letter published in the ''Medical Journal of Australia''.<ref name="bellmaine1971" />  The Australian Pædiatric Association published a second explanatory letter in July 1971.<ref>{{REFjournal
|last=Hall
|first=
|init=G
|author-link=
|last2=Bellmaine
|first2=
|init2=SP
|author2-link=
|etal=no
|title=Circumcision
|trans-title=
|language=
|journal=Med J Aust
|location=
|date=1971-07-24
|volume=2
|issue=4
|article=
|page=223
|pages=
|url=https://www.cirp.org/library/statements/apa1971/
|archived=
|quote=
|pubmedID=5093878
|pubmedCID=
|accessdate=2023-11-18
}}</ref> As stated above, the incidence of non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] of boys declined precipitously after the publication of these letters, so most men under forty-nine are [[intact]]. These [[foreskinned]] men are now becoming fathers. They are aware of the value and functions<ref name="helard2014">{{REFweb
|url=http://www.intactaus.org/information/functionsoftheforeskin/
|title=Functions of the Foreskin
|last=Helard
|first=Lou
|author-link=
|publisher=Intact Australia
|website=
|date=2014-08-01
|accessdate=2020-05-29
|format=
|quote=
}}</ref> of the [[foreskin]], so these [[intact]] fathers usually do not want any son to be [[circumcised]]. Moreover, public hospitals in Australia do not permit the performance of non-therapeutic [[circumcision]].<ref name="tanny2015">{{REFjournal
|last=Na
|first=
|init=AF
|author-link=
|last2=Tanny
|first2=
|init2=SPT
|author2-link=
|last3=Hutson
|first3=
|init3=JM
|author3-link=
|etal=no
|title=Circumcision: Is it worth it for 21st-century Australian boys?
|language=
|journal= J Paediatr Child Health
|location=
|date=2015-06
|volume=51
|issue=6
|article=
|page=
|pages=580-3
|url=https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jpc.12825
|archived=
|quote=Most Australian states withdrew circumcision from the range of free services provided in public hospitals through Medicare funding system.
|pubmedID=25683279
|pubmedCID=
|DOI=10.1111/jpc.12825
|accessdate=2024-09-16
}}</ref>
As a consequence, it appears that the efforts of the [[RACP]] to revitalize the [[circumcision industry]] in Australia<ref name="RACP2022" /> may have scant success. The incidence of non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] of boys recently has been variously reported to be 4-10 percent.
[[Foreskinned]] men and boys are in a strong and ever-increasing majority in Australia.
==Parental information==
Raisingchildren.net.au provides excellent information on the care of [[intact]], [[foreskinned]] boys.<ref>{{REFweb
|url=https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/foreskin
|title=Foreskins and foreskin care
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|author-link=
|publisher=
|date=2021-12-21
|accessdate=2024-09-02
}}</ref>
== Video ==
===Australian Circumcision Part 1===
* <youtube>v=UV3z-XceZ-g</youtube>
===Australian Circumcision Part 2===
* <youtube>v=-aXkeF6p1ig</youtube>
===Circumcision in modern Australia with [[John_Adkison]]===
* <youtube>v=VxSEiJfiL7w</youtube>
===Foreskin problems and circumcision | Healthy Male===
* <youtube>v=9WVVhB4CrBg</youtube>
===The Decline of Circumcision: How Australia and New Zealand Left It Behind===
* <youtube>v=Z2jYzyrHDzk&t=66s</youtube>
{{SEEALSO}}
{{SEEALSO}}
* [[Australian Circumcision]]
* [[Australian Circumcision]]
* [[Circumcision Law Reform]]
* [[Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons]]
* [[Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons]]
* [[Circumcision Info Australia|Circumcision Information Australia]]
* [[Circumcision Info Australia|Circumcision Information Australia]]
Line 743: Line 799:
* [[Foreskin revolution]]
* [[Foreskin revolution]]
* [[Intact Australia]]
* [[Intact Australia]]
* [[Jonathan Meddings]]
* [[New Zealand]]
* [[New Zealand]]
* [[Royal Australasian College of Physicians]]
* [[Royal Australasian College of Physicians]]
* [[Trauma]]
* [[Trauma]]
* [[Western Australia Medical Association]]
* [[Western Australia Medical Association]]
{{LINKS}}
{{LINKS}}
* {{URLwikipedia|Australia|Australia}}
* {{REFnews
|title=Victoria stops circumcision in public hospitals
|url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-08-12_herald-sun.php
|last=Hinde
|first=Suellen
|init=
|author-link=
|last2=Healey
|init2=Kelvin
|author2-link=
|publisher=Sunday Herald-Sun
|website=
|date=2007-08-12
|accessdate=2024-07-28
|quote=State Government has ordered the ban, which starts next month, following medical advice that circumcision of baby boys was unnecessary.
}}
* {{REFnews
|title=South Australia Bans Non-therapeutic Male Circumcision
|url=https://www.cirp.org/news/2007/2007-11-12_theadvertiser.php
|last=Pengelley
|first=Jill
|init=
|author-link=
|publisher=Adelaide Advertiser
|website=
|date=2007-11-12
|accessdate=2024-07-28
|quote=In the past financial year, 274 circumcisions were performed on children in the state's public hospitals. SA is the last state to take a stand against circumcision. "Both nationally and overseas, doctors agree there is no medical benefit to routine circumcision with the procedure as low as 2 per cent in the UK," Mr Hill said.
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/childrens-rights
|title=Children's Rights
|last=Anonymous
|first=
|init=
|publisher=Australian Human Rights Commission
|date=2023-10-27
|accessdate=2024-02-06
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://www.cirp.org/library/legal/Australia/
|title=Legal Information about non-therapeutic male circumcision in Australia.
|last=Hill
|first=George
|init=
|publisher=Circumcision Information Reference Library
|date=2002-10-23
|accessdate=2023-08-26
}}
* {{REFweb
* {{REFweb
  |url=http://www.circumstitions.com/Australia.html
  |url=http://www.circumstitions.com/Australia.html
  |title=Circumcision in Australia
  |title=Circumcision in Australia
|trans-title=
|language=English
  |last=Young
  |last=Young
  |first=Hugh
  |first=Hugh
|init=H
  |author-link=Hugh Young
  |author-link=Hugh Young
  |publisher=Circumstitions
  |publisher=Circumstitions
|website=
  |date=2013
  |date=2013
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
|format=
|quote=
}}
}}
* {{REFweb
* {{REFweb
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/index.php
  |url=http://www.circinfo.org/index.php
  |title=Circumcision Information Australia
  |title=Circumcision Information Australia
|trans-title=
|language=
|last=
|first=
|author-link=
|publisher=
|website=
|date=
|update=
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
  |accessdate=2019-10-28
|format=
|quote=
}}
}}
* {{REFweb
* {{REFweb
  |url=http://www.intactaus.org/
  |url=http://www.intactaus.org/
  |title=Intact Australia
  |title=Intact Australia
|trans-title=
|language=
  |last=Hely
  |last=Hely
  |first=Lou
  |first=Lou
|author-link=
|publisher=
  |website=Intact Australia
  |website=Intact Australia
  |date=2014-08-01
  |date=2014-08-01
  |accessdate=2019-11-17
  |accessdate=2019-11-17
|format=
|quote=
}}
}}
* {{REFweb
* {{REFweb
Line 804: Line 891:
  |url=https://15square.org.uk/2019/07/16/circumcision-in-australia/
  |url=https://15square.org.uk/2019/07/16/circumcision-in-australia/
  |title=Circumcision in Australia
  |title=Circumcision in Australia
|trans-title=
|language=
  |last=Smith
  |last=Smith
  |first=David
  |first=David
|init=D
  |author-link=David Smith
  |author-link=David Smith
  |publisher=15 Square
  |publisher=15 Square
Line 819: Line 905:
  |url=http://aiga.org.au/home2/
  |url=http://aiga.org.au/home2/
  |title=Australia Institute for Genital Autonomy
  |title=Australia Institute for Genital Autonomy
  |trans-title=
  |date=2013-05
  |language=
|accessdate=2019-11-21
  |last=
}}
  |first=
* {{REFnews
|title=Toddler dies and baby brother left in serious condition after circumcisions at Perth clinic
  |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/dec/09/toddler-dies-and-baby-brother-in-serious-condition-after-circumcisions-at-perth-clinic
  |last=Davey
  |first=Melissa
|init=
  |author-link=
  |author-link=
|publisher=
|publisher=The Guardian
  |website=
  |website=
  |date=2013-05
  |date=2021-12-09
  |accessdate=2019-11-21
  |accessdate=2026-01-18
|format=
  |quote=
  |quote=
}}
}}
Line 834: Line 924:
  |url=https://intactivistsofaustralasia.wordpress.com/
  |url=https://intactivistsofaustralasia.wordpress.com/
  |title=Intactivists of Australasia
  |title=Intactivists of Australasia
|last=
|first=
  |date=2021-05-19
  |date=2021-05-19
  |accessdate=2022-07-07
  |accessdate=2022-07-07
}}
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://intactamerica.org/cultures-that-reject-circumcision/
|title=Cultures That Reject Circumcision—And Why They’re Right
|last=Alissa
|first=Kristel
|init=
|author-link=Kristel Alissa
|publisher=Intact America
|date=2025-02-23
|accessdate=2025-05-08
}}
* {{REFweb
|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/uncircumcised_talk/comments/1ra67be/first_uncircumcised_generation/
|title=First Intact generation
|last=Anonymous
|publisher=Reddit
|date=2026-02-20
|accessdate=2026-02-20
}}
{{REF}}


{{REF}}


[[Category:Circumcision]]
[[Category:Circumcision]]
[[Category:Australia]]
[[Category:Country]]
[[Category:English-speaking nation]]
[[Category:Genital mutilation]]
[[Category:Statistics]]
[[Category:Statistics]]
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Male circumcision]]
[[Category:Male circumcision]]
[[Category:Oceania]]
[[Category:Australia]]
[[de:Australien]]
Retrieved from "https://en.intactiwiki.org/wiki/Australia"