Leslie Massey
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the foreskin of the penis. While it is generally considered a safe operation, circumcision carries some risks and is, therefore, a controversial topic in many parts of the world, including Australia. The popularity of circumcision in Australia has been declining over the years, with fewer newborn boys undergoing the procedure. This trend is attributed to various factors, such as cultural and religious shifts, increased awareness of the risks and benefits, and the decreasing incidence of circumcision among new fathers. While some Australians continue to choose circumcision for their children for religious, cultural, or medical reasons, the overall trend suggests a move towards preserving genital integrity and making informed choices based on available evidence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Circumcision Rate in the 1950s | 80% |
| Circumcision Rate in 2016/17 | 4% |
| Circumcision Rate in 2017 | 5425 |
| Circumcision Rate in 2019 | 11,526 |
| Circumcision Rate of Newborns | 10-20% |
| Circumcision Rate of Australian-Born Men in 2001-02 | 69% |
| Circumcision Rate of Christians in 2001-02 | 61.39% |
| Circumcision Rate of Muslims in 2001-02 | 74.31% |
| Circumcision Rate of Australian-Born Men in 1987-89 | 27% |
| Circumcision Rate of Australian-Born Men in 2005 | 59% |
| Circumcision Rate of Australian Men in 2010 | 33% |
| Circumcision Rate of Newborns in 2007/08 | 19,663 |
| Circumcision Rate of Newborns in 2009-12 | 10-20% |
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What You'll Learn
Circumcision rates in Australia are declining
One of the main factors contributing to the decline in circumcision rates is the decreasing prevalence of circumcised fathers. In the past, it was common for fathers to circumcise their sons so that they would look like them. However, as the number of circumcised fathers decreases, there is less pressure to continue this tradition. Additionally, parents today are more likely to research and weigh the potential benefits and risks of the procedure before making a decision.
Another factor influencing the decline in circumcision rates is the position of medical authorities. In 1971, medical authorities in Australia determined that non-therapeutic male neonatal circumcision was not necessary. This was further reinforced in 1983 when it was recommended that non-therapeutic circumcision should be discouraged. As a result, the incidence of non-therapeutic male circumcision has declined sharply over the years. The Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons does not support routine circumcision of male neonates, infants, or children, as it is considered inappropriate and unnecessary based on current evidence.
While circumcision rates are declining in Australia, there are still thousands of newborn boys being circumcised each year. The procedure continues to be practised for religious and cultural reasons among certain communities, including Jewish, Muslim, and some Christian groups. Additionally, circumcision may be recommended for older males who experience frequent problems with their foreskin, such as phimosis, a condition where the foreskin becomes narrowed or retracted and stuck, known as paraphimosis.
The decline in circumcision rates in Australia reflects a broader trend among English-speaking countries, including the UK and Canada. As society evolves and access to information improves, parents are empowered to make informed decisions about their children's health and well-being, considering both the potential benefits and risks of any medical procedure.
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Religious circumcision is increasing
Male circumcision was popularised in Australia during the early 20th century, and a majority of adult Australian males born before 1980 are circumcised. However, the overall incidence of circumcised males in Australia is expected to decline gradually as older circumcised males pass away and newborn non-circumcised males enter the population. In the 1950s, the rate of circumcision in Australia was about 80%, but it is now estimated that about 20% of newborn boys are circumcised.
Although rates are falling in Australia, there are still thousands of newborns being circumcised every year. Circumcision is a common practice among Jewish, Muslim, and some Christian communities, as well as among Indigenous Australian communities. It is considered a normal and important ritual in some cultures and religions. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in three males worldwide are circumcised, and in Australia, it was estimated in 2010 that 59% of men were circumcised.
While the rate of newborn circumcision is declining, the rate of older age circumcision is increasing due to medical conditions such as phimosis, a narrowing of the foreskin that may make retraction over the shaft of the penis impossible. Phimosis can cause multiple infections and even rupturing of the foreskin, and the only permanent fix is circumcision. The decrease in social circumcisions has led to an increase in medical circumcisions for phimosis.
Despite the overall decline in circumcision rates, religious (ritual) circumcision is increasing in importance and now accounts for the majority of procedures in Victoria. Being circumcised in Australia is becoming a marker of religious identity, with fewer than 10% of boys being circumcised for secular reasons by the time they start school. Parents may choose to circumcise their children for religious, cultural, or medical reasons, and it is considered reasonable for parents to weigh the risks and benefits of the procedure when making their decision.
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Circumcision for medical reasons
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin, the tissue covering the head (glans) of the penis. It is one of the most common surgeries worldwide and is generally safe. It originated over 15,000 years ago and was performed for religious, ritualistic, and cultural reasons. It was not until the 19th century that circumcision became "medicalised".
In Australia, the popularity of circumcision has been declining. The Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons does not support the routine circumcision of male neonates, infants, or children. The incidence of non-therapeutic male neonatal circumcision has declined sharply over the years. The Royal Australasian College of General Practitioners president, Harry Nespolon, attributed this decline to an increase in phimosis cases, a narrowing of the foreskin that may make retraction over the shaft of the penis impossible. Phimosis can cause multiple infections and even rupturing of the foreskin, but its onset happens well after birth. The only permanent fix is circumcision.
There are various medical indications for circumcision. Proponents of circumcision claim benefits such as improved hygiene, reduced risk of penile and cervical cancer, and lower chances of sexually transmitted infections, particularly HIV. However, opponents deny or minimise these benefits and cite substantial complication rates and reduced penile sensation. It is vital for medical staff to be aware of the indications, operative techniques, and complications of circumcision to effectively deal with requests for the procedure.
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Circumcision for cultural reasons
Circumcision is a procedure that involves removing the foreskin from the human penis. It is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures, traditionally undertaken as a mark of cultural identity or religious importance.
In Australia, circumcision was popularized in the early 20th century, similar to other English-speaking nations. Consequently, most Australian males born before 1980 are circumcised. However, the rate of newborn circumcision has declined to between 10 and 20 percent in recent years. This decline is attributed to parents making informed decisions based on available evidence and a decreasing number of new fathers being circumcised themselves.
Cultural reasons for circumcision vary across different ethnic groups and religions. In some cultures, males are traditionally circumcised shortly after birth, during childhood, or around puberty as part of a rite of passage to manhood. For example, in some settings like Zambia, Uganda, and South Africa, remaining uncircumcised is unacceptable, and forced circumcision of older boys is not uncommon. Social reasons, such as the desire to conform, are also common motivations for circumcision in places where it is the norm.
Among religious groups, circumcision is commonly practiced in the Jewish, Islamic, and Druze faiths, as well as among members of the Coptic Church, Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church. In these faiths, circumcision is often stipulated in religious texts and holds significant religious meaning. For Jews, the mitzvah of circumcision on the eighth day of life is considered among the most important commandments, with uncircumcised males believed to face spiritual consequences. In contrast, religions like Mandaeism, Hinduism, and Sikhism strongly prohibit the practice of routine circumcision.
In summary, while circumcision rates are declining in Australia, the procedure continues to be performed for cultural and religious reasons among various ethnic and religious groups. These groups associate circumcision with cultural identity, social cohesion, masculinity, and spiritual development.
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Circumcision is more common in older generations
Circumcision was popularized in Australia during the early 20th century, as in other English-speaking nations. As a result, most Australian men born before 1980 are circumcised. However, the rate of circumcision has been declining since the 1970s, with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians estimating in 2010 that only 10-20% of newborn boys are still being circumcised. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the publication of critical articles and medical authorities' recommendations against non-therapeutic male circumcision.
The decline in circumcision rates is also influenced by the increasing number of new fathers who are not circumcised themselves, leading to a collective decision with their partners not to circumcise their sons. Parents are increasingly researching and weighing the risks and benefits of the procedure before making an informed choice. Additionally, the incidence of non-therapeutic male neonatal circumcision has declined sharply, as it is considered inappropriate and unnecessary by medical organizations such as the Australasian Association of Paediatric Surgeons.
While the overall trend shows a decrease in circumcision rates, there has been a rise in older age circumcisions due to medical conditions like phimosis, which is more common in uncircumcised males. Phimosis can cause multiple infections and even rupturing of the foreskin, and the only permanent fix is circumcision. However, the decrease in social circumcisions has led to an increase in medical circumcisions for conditions like phimosis.
Cultural and religious factors also play a role in the popularity of circumcision in Australia. It is a common practice among Jewish, Muslim, and some Christian communities, as well as Indigenous Australian communities. While some advocate for routine circumcision for health benefits, others argue that it should be left to the child's decision when they are older. The Royal Australasian College recognizes the procedure's cultural and religious significance but does not support routine circumcision of male neonates, infants, or children.
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Frequently asked questions
The rate of circumcision in Australia is declining. In 2010, the WHO estimated that 59% of Australian men were circumcised, but the rate is substantially declining among newer generations. In 2016/17, there were 6,309 newborn males circumcised, compared to 19,663 under six-month-old boys in 2007/08. The current rate is estimated to be between 10-20%.
The rate of circumcision is declining in Australia due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the number of new fathers who are not circumcised is increasing, leading to a collective decision between parents that circumcision may not offer any benefits to their sons. Secondly, parents are becoming more informed and are weighing the potential benefits against the risks of the procedure. Additionally, medical authorities have advised against non-therapeutic male circumcision, and the overall incidence of circumcised males is expected to decline as older circumcised males pass away.
Circumcision in Australia is primarily performed for religious, cultural, or medical reasons. It is a common practice among Jewish, Muslim, and some Christian communities, as well as Indigenous Australian communities. Medical circumcision may be recommended for older males with frequent foreskin problems, such as phimosis, which can cause infections and foreskin rupturing.
