French Doctors Sanctioned After Baby Dies Following Ritual Circumcision

In the Gironde region of France, a recent tragedy involving the death of an infant and several severe complications following ritual circumcisions has led to the sanctioning of two doctors. The incident, which occurred on May 25, 2022, in Latresne, involved a two-month-old baby who underwent the procedure in a rented space. One of the doctors, Alain Muchinino, a general practitioner from Nice, administered a loco-regional anesthesia, a procedure typically reserved for anesthesiologists-resuscitators. The baby's parents found him hypothermic and lethargic after the procedure, but were unable to contact the medical team. The baby subsequently died at 5 p.m. The order of physicians cited a lack of preparation, untraceable dosage of injected medication, and an inadequate location without resuscitation equipment as reasons for sanctions. A second doctor, David Assuye, was also sanctioned for repeated circumcisions without prior consultation, post-operative monitoring, or analgesic prescriptions. Both doctors contest the sanctions. The events have highlighted the grey areas surrounding the tolerance of religious acts of a surgical nature in France, prompting debate on children's safety and medical responsibility. While ritual circumcision is not prohibited, the lack of strict regulatory frameworks for non-medical procedures poses significant risks. This case underscores the urgent need for clearer guidelines to protect children undergoing such procedures.