Parents whose sons are circumcised using a controversial Orthodox
Jewish ritual will no longer have to sign consent forms acknowledging
health risks under rules passed Wednesday.
The city will now hand out pamphlets to parents highlighting the risks
of the procedure, which has been linked to 18 cases of herpes in babies
since 2000.
The consent rule — enacted under Michael Bloomberg’s administration — was attacked by some Orthodox Jews, who claim the practice known as metzitzah b’peh dates back centuries and is safe.
The ritual involves a mohel sucking the blood from the circumcision wounds.
Health Commissioner Mary Bassett said the city still has the power to
investigate any cases of illness believed to be linked to the practice.
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