New York City’s Board of Health has voted to consider the mayor’s plan to resolve a dispute with the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community over a tradition known as Metzitzah B’peh.
Health officials have linked 17 cases of infant herpes since 2000 to the ancient ritual. Herpes can lead to brain damage or death.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has said circumcisers should no longer be required to obtain signed consent forms. His administration will ask hospitals, obstetricians and pediatricians to distribute information about health risks.
Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s administration instituted the consent rule. Rabbis opposed it.
Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Travis Bassett says the “well-meaning rule” has had a polarizing effect and is difficult to implement.
The health board will hold a public comment period.
(AP)
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4 Responses
If I’m not understanding this wrong, the solution is simple: Don’t let a herpes-carrier be a Mohel.
Those who have sought to interfere with our mizva of bris milah, should rot in purgatory b’korov.
there is a protocol for periodic testing of doctors. How does it infringe on our religious liberty if we agreed to testing of those who perform a Brit Milah? This should be a non issue for clear thinking people
#1: Over 90% of all adults are “herpes-carriers”.