Circumcision in Children: Ethical Considerations (2026)
13 million boys are circumcised worldwide each year. Is child circumcision ethically justifiable? We analyze medical, legal, and ethical aspects.
Child Circumcision: Ethical Considerations (2026)
The circumcision of boys is one of the most controversial medical practices worldwide. An estimated 13 million boys are circumcised annually – most for religious or cultural reasons, not out of medical necessity.
Is the circumcision of children, who cannot consent, ethically justifiable? This question divides medical professionals, ethicists, lawyers, and parents worldwide.
Facts and Figures
Global Circumcision Rates (2024):
- USA: 58% of all newborn boys
- Germany: 10-15% (primarily religiously motivated)
- Scandinavia: <2%
- Israel: >95% (religious)
- Muslim countries: 90-100% (religious)
A WHO study (2023) estimates that 37.7% of all men worldwide are circumcised – the vast majority were circumcised as children.
Medical Indications: When is Circumcision Necessary?
The German Society for Pediatric Surgery (DGKCH) lists only a few absolute medical indications for circumcision in children:
| Indication | Frequency | Circumcision necessary? |
|---|---|---|
| Lichen sclerosus (BXO) | 0.01-0.1% | Yes |
| Recurrent paraphimosis | 0.1-0.5% | Yes |
| Recurrent urinary tract infections | 1-2% | Rarely (mostly treatable conservatively) |
| Physiological phimosis | 96% in newborns | No (normal up to 16-18 years) |
Important: Physiological phimosis (non-retractile foreskin) is normal in newborns and young children and not an indication for circumcision. The foreskin naturally separates during childhood and puberty.
Ethical Arguments: Pros and Cons
Pro Arguments (Advocates)
1. Religious Freedom
Circumcision is a central religious commandment in Judaism (Brit Milah) and Islam (Khitan). Proponents argue that parents have the right to raise their children according to their religious beliefs.
2. Preventive Health Benefits
Studies show reduced rates of:
- HIV infections (50-60% reduction in African studies)
- Urinary tract infections (10-fold reduction in the first year of life)
- Penile cancer (very rare, but almost exclusively in uncircumcised men)
3. Parental Autonomy
Parents make medical decisions for their children daily (vaccinations, surgeries). Why should circumcision be different?
4. Social Integration
In societies with high circumcision rates (e.g., USA, Muslim countries), circumcision can prevent social exclusion.
Counter-Arguments (Opponents)
1. Bodily Integrity
Children have a right to bodily integrity. Circumcision is an irreversible alteration of the body without medical necessity.
2. Lack of Consent
Newborns and infants cannot consent. The decision should be left to the adult man himself.
3. Pain and Risks
Circumcision is painful and carries risks:
- Complication rate: 0.2-2% (bleeding, infections, scarring)
- Severe complications: 0.01-0.1% (penile amputation, death)
- Psychological trauma: Controversial, but documented by some studies
4. Questionable Health Benefits
The preventive benefits are marginal in developed countries with good hygiene and access to condoms:
- HIV reduction is irrelevant in countries with low HIV prevalence
- Urinary tract infections can be treated with antibiotics
- Penile cancer is extremely rare (1 in 100,000 men)
5. Sexual Impact
The foreskin contains 20,000 nerve endings. Circumcision demonstrably reduces glans sensitivity (keratinization).
Legal Situation in Germany
In Germany, non-medically indicated circumcision has been permitted since 2012 by § 1631d BGB, but is subject to conditions:
- Up to 6 months: Can also be performed by religiously trained circumcisers
- From 6 months: Only by doctors under anesthesia
- Parental education about risks and procedure is mandatory
- Child's welfare must be preserved
This regulation is a compromise between religious freedom and child protection and remains controversial.
International Perspectives
| Country | Legal Situation | Circumcision Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Permitted (§ 1631d BGB) | 10-15% |
| USA | Permitted (culturally widespread) | 58% |
| Denmark | Ban discussed (still permitted) | 1-2% |
| Iceland | Prohibition law failed (2018) | <1% |
| Sweden | Permitted, but regulated | 1-2% |
Medical Professional Societies: What do they say?
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP, 2012): "The benefits outweigh the risks, but not sufficiently to recommend routine circumcision."
British Medical Association (BMA, 2019): "Circumcision should only be performed for medical indications. Cultural or religious reasons do not justify surgery."
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kinderchirurgie (DGKCH, 2020): "Circumcision without medical indication is ethically problematic. The decision should be left to the adult man."
Alternatives to Circumcision
For parents considering circumcision for religious or cultural reasons, there are alternatives:
1. Postponement until Adulthood
The boy can decide for himself whether he wants to be circumcised. This respects his autonomy.
2. Symbolic Ceremony
Some Jewish and Muslim communities offer symbolic rituals without actual circumcision.
3. Apollon Fold (from 18 years)
After reaching adulthood, a man can achieve the benefits of circumcision (keratinization, hygiene) without surgery through Apollon Fold.
Psychological Effects
The psychological consequences of circumcision are controversial:
Proponents argue that infant circumcision does not cause long-term psychological harm.
Opponents refer to studies documenting trauma and sexual dysfunction in circumcised men.
A study from the International Journal of Men's Health (2015) found that 10-15% of circumcised men perceive their circumcision as traumatic and wish they had a foreskin.
Conclusion: A Personal Decision
The circumcision of children remains an ethically complex issue with no easy answer. The debate touches upon fundamental values:
- Religious Freedom vs. Bodily Integrity
- Parental Freedom of Choice vs. Child's Autonomy
- Preventive Health Benefits vs. Risks and Complications
Our Position: If there is no medical necessity, the decision should be left to the adult man. Alternatives like Apollon Fold make it possible to achieve the benefits of circumcision without irreversible surgery.
Ready to try Apollon Fold?
Apollon Fold offers the benefits of circumcision without surgery – a decision every man can make for himself.
Scientific References
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WHO/UNAIDS. "Male circumcision: Global trends and determinants of prevalence, safety and acceptability." 2023.
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Task Force on Circumcision. "Male Circumcision." Pediatrics 2012;130(3):e756-e785.
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British Medical Association. "The law and ethics of male circumcision: guidance for doctors." Journal of Medical Ethics 2004;30(3):259-263.
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Frisch M, Aigrain Y, Barauskas V, et al. "Cultural bias in the AAP's 2012 Technical Report and Policy Statement on male circumcision." Pediatrics 2013;131(4):796-800.