Forced circumcision of men (abridged)

J Med Ethics. 2014 Aug;40(8):567-71. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101626. Epub 2013 Sep 6.

Abstract

The forced circumcision of men is a widespread human rights abuse that often accompanies other human rights violations. It occurs in clashes between circumcising and non-circumcising cultures, or when individuals in circumcising cultures reject circumcision. This article documents the forced circumcision of men against their will, shows how evidence of forced circumcision has been downplayed and discounted, and outlines and discusses some measures that could help to reduce its prevalence.

Keywords: Circumcision; Ethics; Legal Aspects; Moral and Religious Aspects; Religious Ethics.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Circumcision, Male / ethics*
  • Circumcision, Male / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Global Health
  • Human Rights Abuses
  • Human Rights*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Islam
  • Male
  • Narration
  • Religion and Medicine
  • Sex Offenses*