Information about circumcision of boys in Norway is available | Torunn Janbu
The Act on ritual circumcision of boys must ensure a reasonable offer, writes Torunn Janbu in this reply.
I a Exclamation post on 29 October 2022 Victoria Åsne Kinsella calls for more active information from the health authorities about ritual circumcision of male children in Norway. In addition, I would like to note the following:
- The Directorate of Health has stopped printing brochures/information sheets etc. – this does not only apply to ritual circumcision of boys, but in general. This does not mean that the directorate does not inform about the scheme, but we now use digital channels. We would also like to remind you that everyone who wants to share the information on paper is free to print and copy. The information letters for parents are also published as pdf so that they work well as a printout.
- There is no medical indication for ritual circumcision. It is nevertheless regulated by law that the regional health organizations must organize an offer in the specialist service.
- There is no need for a referral, the parents/boy can contact the specialist service themselves.
- There is also an information letter for parents in several languages and an article on the topic with information, among other things, on definition, who can carry out interventions, requirements for implementation, consent etc.: Ritual circumcision of boys – Directorate of Health
Additional background information
Act on ritual circumcision of boys (lovdata.no) applies to everyone who offers or performs ritual circumcision in Norway. The purpose of the law is to ensure that ritual circumcision of boys is carried out in a responsible manner and that such an offer is available.
Definition of ritual male circumcision
Ritual circumcision of boys is a surgical procedure where the foreskin around the penis is removed in whole or in part, and where the purpose is religiously justified (1). There is no medical indication for ritual circumcision. In Norway, such interventions are not justified on the grounds that they have any health benefits for children. Circumcision performed for medical reasons such as tight foreskin, infections or injuries is not covered by the Act on ritual circumcision of boys.
Ritual circumcision of boys is not considered health care, but health personnel who carry out the procedure will, as a general rule, be subject to health legislation. The Health Personnel Act and the Patient and User Rights Act apply as far as they pass when performing ritual circumcision of boys (2). It is linked to the Health Personnel Act’s provisions on propriety (both related to the procedure itself and when it comes to pain relief and infection control measures), confidentiality and documentation apply.
A number of the provisions of the Patient and User Rights Act on information, consent, right of appeal and the right to inspect medical records apply. The Patient Injury Act applies when performing ritual circumcision.
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