PARENT'S LEAFLET
February 2008
Circumcision and your child
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is an operation to remove the loose foreskin covering the head of the penis. This may be done for medical or religious reasons.
Circumcision for religious reasons can be carried out by the NHS as long as doctors are satisfied that this is in the child's best interests.
I want my child to be circumcised. Who should I tell?
Before your child is born
When you first meet your midwife, you should let her know that, if you have a boy, you want him to be circumcised. Your midwife will write your request in your health records. Both parents should be involved in this decision, if possible.
After your child is born
At your child's 6 week check-up, your doctor or other health worker will discuss the circumcision with you and explain what will happen next.
Your doctor will decide if your child is healthy enough to be circumcised and, if the circumcision is in your child's best interests, they will make a referral to a surgeon for the circumcision to take place in a specialist centre.
If your doctor decides that your child should not be circumcised you have the right to see another doctor for a second opinion.
What type of anaesthetic will be used?
In Scotland, doctors agree that circumcision should always be carried out under a general anaesthetic. This is safer and less painful for your child.
This means that your child will be asleep during the operation.
When will the circumcision take place?
The operation will be carried out as soon as doctors think it is safe for your child.
It will not be done before your child is 6 months old. This is because there are more risks in giving a general anaesthetic to a child who is younger than 6 months. It will normally be done before your child is 9 months old.
Before the circumcision takes place, both you and the child's mother or father will be asked to sign a form to show you have agreed for the circumcision to be done.
If you are the only parent, you will be asked to sign the form to show you have given your agreement.
You will normally be able to take your child home on the same day as the circumcision takes place.
If you wish more information about circumcision or the arrangements set out in this leaflet, speak to your midwife or doctor.
This leaflet has been produced by the Scottish Government, Directorate of Health and Wellbeing in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Local contact details:
This information will also be made available in Urdu and Punjabi at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent.
Further copies of this document are available, on request, in audio and large print formats and in community languages, please contact: 0131 244 2454
