Canadian Doctor Cleared of ‘Sex’ Motive in Controversial Circumcision Rite

By JTA July 11, 2014

A Canadian review board cleared of “sexual motive” a doctor who practiced “metzitzah b’peh,” a controversial circumcision practice.

The Ontario Health Professions Appeal and Review Board said in its conclusion published Tuesday that there was no evidence supporting the accusation of anti-circumcision activists that Aaron Jesin acted out of sexual motive in carrying out the tradition of sucking blood out of a baby’s penis following circumcision, the National Post reported.

The practice, in which the ritual circumciser places his mouth directly on the child’s circumcision wound to draw blood away from the cut, is used only in some haredi Orthodox circles.

Some authorities have sought its ban, saying that it risks disease.

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