20-day-old boy bleeds to death after two women ‘perform home circumcision’ in Italy 

A 20-day old boy died in Rome last Friday after a failed home circumcision attempt. 

Two Nigerian women were arrested in connection with the child’s death after his parents rushed him to the hospital. 

Both women were charged with aggravated manslaughter and illegal exercise of a profession.

The mother of the child is also being investigated on suspicion of conspiracy to commit manslaughter.

It follows on from a host of other such similar cases in Italy, such as that of a two-year-old in Rome in December 2018.

The operations are usually performed in backstreet surgeries and private clinics as most hospital doctors refuse to perform the surgery until the boys have reached at least age four

The boy – who was undergoing a circumcision operation performed by an American citizen of Libyan origin – also had a twin brother who narrowly survived his operation following intensive care. 

The doctor of the deceased child had called for help after he started to bleed excessively, Italian media reported at the time.

His mother was believed to be of Nigerian origin, and reportedly sought asylum in Italy and has five other children in Nigeria.

She reportedly asked for the operation to be performed in line with Islamic traditions, despite being Catholic. 

Many Muslim immigrants in Italy practise circumcision for cultural and religious regions – but it is not a popular practise among Italy’s Roman Catholic majority. 

The operations are usually performed in backstreet surgeries and private clinics as most hospital doctors refuse to perform the surgery until the boys have reached at least age four.

Over 5,000 such operations are performed in Italy every year, with 35% being done clandestinely, according to health charity Amsi. 

Operations in private clinics can cost up to 4000 euros, but can be offered for between 50 and 200 euros at backstreet surgeries.