A coroner has issued a grave warning that more infants could face fatal outcomes unless the government enacts regulations governing non-therapeutic male circumcision, following the tragic death of a six-month-old boy in West London.
According to the West London Coroner’s report, Mohamed Abdisamad underwent a non-therapeutic circumcision on February 12, 2023. This procedure was carried out by a circumciser recommended by his parents, who requested the operation on their son.
The infant displayed signs of illness three to four days post-procedure and was transported by ambulance to Hillingdon Hospital on February 19, 2023.
Unfortunately, Mohamed suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest and was declared dead that same night at 23:55 GMT.
An inquest jury, which wrapped up its findings on October 8, 2025, determined that the cause of death was due to “an invasive streptococcus pyogenes infection following male circumcision.”
Assistant coroner Anton van Dellen authored a report on preventing future fatalities, urging the need for action to address the absence of safety protocols and regulatory measures related to non-therapeutic male circumcisions.
The report, dated December 28, 2025, conveys Dr. van Dellen’s concern, stating, “The evidence presented during the inquest revealed several issues that spark concern. In my opinion, future fatalities could happen unless steps are taken.”
He noted that there are currently no national safeguards in place for non-therapeutic male circumcision; this absence includes the lack of mandated training, accreditation, or registration for practitioners, along with the absence of guidelines regarding record-keeping, infection control, or aftercare.
Additionally, the coroner highlighted the absence of a proper consent process prior to performing the procedure.
The report will be forwarded to the Department of Health and Social Care, as well as the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, which have a 56-day period to provide a response following the report’s release.
Further copies of the report are being distributed to Mohamed’s mother and father, his maternal grandmother, his uncle, and the London Ambulance Service.
