The Dutch doctors federation KNMG has again called on ministers, MPs and human rights organisations to speak out against the practice of circumcising young boys.



Between 10,000 and 15,000 boys are circumcised in the Netherlands every year, often on religious grounds and without anaesthetics, the organisation says. This is against human rights.

The intervention is not without risk and is increasingly being seen as ‘not normal’, the organisation says.

It is not calling for an outright ban because of fears this would drive the practice underground and lead to more complications.

In particular, the KNMG says insurance companies should ask if they should be using public funds to pay for an unnecessary operation.