Dr Philip King said it was an unnecessary operation performed on babies when they were most vulnerable to infection and bleeding. It is a very important part throughout life. In the US, he said, there had been six cases in which children successfully sued parents for choosing to circumcised when it was unnecessary. But Dr King said he would perform the procedure, if necessary, to ensure the highest standards of safety. Another surgeon who regularly performs both ritual and routine circumcisions said the crucial issue was the technique used to perform the operation.
Different techniques provide different levels of discomfort for the baby.
The surgeon, who declined to be identified by name, said there was also some reason to be concerned that medical practitioners, who were opposed to circumcision, might inadvertently intimidate parents who wanted the procedure done on their sons in order to express their religious convictions.