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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.
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
Morgan (1967) criticised non-therapeutic [[circumcision]] in a letter published in the ''Medical Journal of Australia''.<ref>{{REFjournal
Line 93: Line 120:
  |pubmedCID=
  |pubmedCID=
  |accessdate=2019-10-27
  |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=
|DOI=
|accessdate=2023-12-17
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


Line 160: Line 214:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


==Non-therapeutic circumcision and Australian law==
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=
|quote=
}}</ref>
 
== 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.


Line 210: 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=Christopher P. Price
|last4=Turner
|first4=J. Neville
|init4=JN
|author4-link=J. Neville Turner
|etal=no
|title=Circumcision of Healthy Boys: Criminal Assault?
|journal=J Law Med
|date=2000-02
|volume=7
|issue=
|pages=301-10
|url=http://www.cirp.org/library/legal/boyle1/
|accessdate=2019-10-31
}}</ref>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


Line 264: 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 ==
Line 331: Line 372:
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


The [[RACP]], a [[medical trade association]], retired this statement in December 2022, when it issued a new statement that was ''not'' an improvement.
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
[[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
Line 379: 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
Line 473: Line 514:
}} </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
  |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
Line 487: Line 548:
=== Circumcision death ===
=== Circumcision death ===


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.
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 healthy two-year-old was circumcised at [http://www.gosnellsmedicalclinic.com.au/ Gosnells Medical Clinic] in Gosnells, {{AUSC|WA}}, on 7 December 2021.  
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
  |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
Line 507: Line 593:
  |accessdate=2021-12-08
  |accessdate=2021-12-08
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
The two newly [[circumcised]] boys were discharged to their home in Seville Grove from Gosnells Medical Clinic.
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].


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.
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.
Line 531: Line 598:
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"/>
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"/>


The homicide police have referred the death of the two-year-old toddler to the coroner for investigation.<ref name="white2021"/>
[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"/>
 
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=
|author-link=
|last2=Kagi
|init2=Blake
|author2-link=
|publisher=Australia Broadcasting Corporation
|website=ABC
|date=2028-08-22
|accessdate=2028-08-30
|format=
|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.
}}</ref>


=== AMA warns against circumcision ===
=== AMA warns against circumcision ===


[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
[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
  |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
  |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
Line 545: Line 630:
  |accessdate=2021-12-12
  |accessdate=2021-12-12
}}</ref>
}}</ref>
=== RACP issues new circumcision statement ===
=== RACP issues new circumcision statement ===
The [[RACP]], a [[medical trade association]], issued a new 18-page prmotional policy statement, entitled ''Circumcision of infant males'', in December 2022.<ref name="RACP2022">{{REFdocument
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
  |url=https://www.racp.edu.au//docs/default-source/advocacy-library/racp-circumcision-of-infant-males-position-statement.pdf
  |title=Circumcision of Infant Males
  |title=Circumcision of Infant Males
Line 555: Line 641:
}}</ref>
}}</ref>


The statement failed to mention the circumcision death in Perth, nor did it mention the advice of the Dr. Mark Duncan Smith, President of the Australian Medical Association that infant [[circumcision]] should be done only when a medical indication is present.
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
|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=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=
|author-link=
|last2=
|init2=
|author2-link=
|publisher=Daily Mail
|website=
|date=2024-05-24
|accessdate=2024-05-25
|format=
|quote=
}}</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 current situation in Australia ==


The 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
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
  |last=Hall
  |first=
  |first=
Line 586: Line 717:
  |pubmedCID=
  |pubmedCID=
  |accessdate=2023-11-18
  |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-two are [[intact]]. These [[foreskinned]] men are now becoming fathers. They are aware of the value and functions 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> 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 may have scant success.
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 ==
== Video ==
Circumcision in modern Australia with [[John_Adkison]]
===Australian Circumcision Part 1===
<br>
* <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>
* <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]]
Line 603: 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]]
Line 609: Line 806:


{{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
* {{REFweb
  |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/legal/Australia/
  |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/legal/Australia/
Line 670: Line 907:
  |date=2013-05
  |date=2013-05
  |accessdate=2019-11-21
  |accessdate=2019-11-21
}}
* {{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=
|publisher=The Guardian
|website=
|date=2021-12-09
|accessdate=2026-01-18
|quote=
}}
}}
* {{REFweb
* {{REFweb
Line 677: Line 927:
  |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]]
[[de:Australien]]
Retrieved from "https://en.intactiwiki.org/wiki/Australia"