Exsanguination

Exsanguination is the letting of blood from the circulatory system of animals or humans. It may be intentional as done when slaughtering livestock, or unintentional as in hemorrhage during or after surgery.

Exsanguination is the loss of blood to a degree sufficient to cause death. Depending upon the age and health of the individual, people can die from losing half to two-thirds of their blood; a loss of roughly one-third of the blood volume is considered very serious. Even a single deep cut can warrant suturing and hospitalization, especially if trauma, a vein or artery, or another comorbidity is involved. The word originates from Latin.

Deaths of circumcised boys from exsanguination

Sadly, there are cases of circumcised boys who have died from exsanguination.

• Hiss, J, Horowitz, A, Kahana, T. Fatal haemorrhage following male ritual circumcision. J Clin Forensic Med. March 2000; 7(1): 32-4. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
• Newell, T.E.C. (22 August 2002). Ryleigh McWillis - death from blood loss, British Columbia Coroner's Service. Retrieved 7 May 2025.
  Quote: Immediate cause of death: a) Multi-organ ischemia, due to or as a consequence of b) exsangination