Petition · past parliament · Department of Health and Social Care

Male circumcision should be made illegal to under 18s unless for medical reasons

Closed 65 signatures

What the petition asks

Circumcision should be made illegal to children under 18 years old unless for medical emergencies, the practice of parents circumcising their young children who are in no position to consent is violates human rights principles. I hope the government can review their policy on this.
Circumcising children who cannot consent should not be allowed, unnecessary circumcision due to ‘tradition’ or ‘supposed health benefits’ is a violation of human rights principles and can cause not only physical complications to the child but there is also evidence of mental harm to children who were circumcised as babies.

A person should make their own choice on this matter when they turn 18 as with many other laws, for example if they wish to do this under religious reasons. Thank you.

Timeline

14 Jul 2022 Petition opened for signatures
28 Jan 2023 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 65
Status Closed
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 14 Jul 2022
Closed 28 Jan 2023

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.