South Africa: Legge contro la circoncisione maschile

South African men are now protected from routine infant circumcision

South African boys get better protection

Circumcision of children is now illegal in South Africa, unless there is a clear diagnosable medical pathology – thanks to amendments to the South African Children’s Rights Act.

Medical indications for circumcision in infants and children are exceedingly rare, and doctors can no longer act perform this previously elective surgery for frivolous reasons or parental request.



Social, cultural and religious practices

12. (1) Every child has the right not to be subjected to social, cultural and religious practices which are detrimental to his or her well-being.

(3) Genital mutilation or the circumcision of female children is prohibited.

… (8) Circumcision of male children under the age of 16 is prohibited, except when

(a) circumcision is performed for religious purposes in accordance with the practices of the religion concerned and in the manner prescribed; or

(b) circumcision is performed for medical reasons on the recommendation of a medical practitioner.

(9) Circumcision of male children older than 16 may only be performed

(a) if the child has given consent to the circumcision in the prescribed manner;

(b) after proper counselling of the child; and

(c) in the manner prescribed.

(10) Taking into consideration the child[‘s age, maturity and stage of development, every male child has the right to refuse circumcision.

www.nocirc-sa.co.za/home/