A foreskin too far? Religious, medical or customary circumcision and the Children's Act 38 of 2005 in the context of HIV/AIDS
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Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
This article analyses the legal framework surrounding male circumcision (infant and youth) in South Africa, having explained the requirements of international human rights law. Provincial legislation regulating traditional circumcision is detailed, followed by an explanation and analysis of the relevant provisions of the Children's Act 38 of 2005 and its accompanying Regulations.
Thereafter the recently changed context, as evidenced by the current campaign for mass male circumcision as a means of preventing HIV/AIDS, is considered. The implications for the narrow circumstances in which circumcision is legalised by the Children's Act are then explored, and further potential results - in the longer term - for traditional circumcision practices are predicted.
Description
Keywords
Children's rights, Circumcision, HIV/AIDS
Citation
Sloth-Nielsen, J. (2012). A foreskin too far? Religious, medical or customary circumcision and the Children's Act 38 of 2005 in the context of HIV/AIDS. Law, Democracy & Development, (16): 69-88