Circumcision Rates by Country: Why America Is the Outlier

When it comes to circumcision, the United States is the weird kid on the global playground.

We’re not just a little different, we’re a full-blown outlier.

In most developed nations, routine infant circumcision is about as common as leech therapy. Meanwhile, in the U.S., it’s been normalized, medicalized, and quietly carried out on millions of babies before they’re old enough to lift their own heads—let alone consent.

But don’t take my word for it. Let’s look at the numbers:

Circumcision Rates by Country (Approximate)

• United States: Historically around 70%, now closer to 55%. Rates vary by region, race, and hospital policy. Slight overall decline.
• Canada: Roughly 32%. Declined after most provinces stopped covering it under public health plans.
• United Kingdom: Around 5%. Rare outside of Muslim and Jewish communities. Not supported by NHS for medical reasons.
• France: Approximately 14%. Primarily done for religious or cultural reasons, not medical.
• Germany: About 10%. Similar context to France—mainly cultural or religious circumcision.
• Sweden: Very low, around 3%. Strong medical opposition and public debate about ethics.
• Australia: Between 10–20%. Once widespread, now dropping significantly. Not routinely recommended.
• Japan: Near 0%. Culturally uncommon and not supported by medical practice.
• South Korea: Roughly 60%. Popularized after U.S. military influence post-Korean War, but younger generations circumcising less.
• New Zealand: Around 10%. Public health no longer recommends or funds the procedure.
• Israel: Around 98%. Religious circumcision (bris) is nearly universal among Jewish families.
• Middle East & North Africa: 90–100%. Deeply rooted in religious and cultural tradition, especially in Muslim-majority countries.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Varies widely. Some regions over 80% due to WHO-backed HIV prevention initiatives targeting adult males.
• Denmark & Norway: Approximately 1%. Routine infant circumcision strongly discouraged; subject of ethical and political debate.

Why Is the U.S. So Circumcision-Obsessed?

Let’s rewind to the 1800s. Circumcision in the U.S. didn’t begin for religious reasons. It began as a punishment.

Early advocates like Dr. John Harvey Kellogg (yes, the cereal guy) believed removing the foreskin would curb masturbation and prevent “immorality.” He even recommended applying carbolic acid to the clitoris of young girls to stop sexual behavior. This wasn’t science. It was pseudoscience mixed with puritanical panic.

But somehow, this unhinged logic made its way into mainstream medicine. By the mid-20th century, circumcision had become routine—not because it was medically necessary, but because hospitals made money doing it.

And the myth-making began:

• “It’s cleaner.”
• “It prevents disease.”
• “It’s what dads look like.”
• “He won’t remember it.”

None of these hold up to scrutiny today. Yet the practice continues.

Wait, So What Does the Science Actually Say?

The world’s leading health organizations—including the World Health Organization, British Medical Association, Canadian Paediatric Society, and Royal Dutch Medical Association—do not recommend routine infant circumcision.

Why? Because the procedure removes healthy, functional tissue from a non-consenting infant for no immediate medical need.

And any potential benefits (like slightly reduced UTI risk in infancy or reduced HIV transmission in very specific adult populations) do not justify routine, irreversible surgery on newborns.

In fact, most doctors in Europe view it the same way they view cutting off a baby’s earlobe to “prevent infections” or trimming their labia “for hygiene”: barbaric.

The Tide Is (Slowly) Turning

Even in the U.S., circumcision rates are declining. In the 1970s and ’80s, over 80% of baby boys were circumcised. Today, that number hovers between 50-55%, with significant variation by race, class, and region.

• West Coast states (like California and Oregon): circumcision rates are below 30%.
• Northeastern states: ~60%.
• Southern and Midwestern states: still ~70-80%.
• Black and Hispanic families are less likely to circumcise than white families.

What’s behind the shift?

Parents are asking more questions. Social media is breaking the silence. More men are speaking out. 

And crucially—insurance coverage is changing. Many states no longer cover circumcision under Medicaid, classifying it as a cosmetic, non-essential procedure.

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You

If circumcision were introduced as a new procedure today—with the exact same risks, ethical questions, and lack of necessity—it would never get approved for infants.

We’d call it what it is:

Non-consensual genital cutting.

We’d point out that it removes 20,000+ nerve endings, dramatically alters sexual sensation, and carries real risks—like infection, meatal stenosis, hemorrhage, and even death (yes, it’s rare—but it happens).

But because it’s old? Because it’s normal? We call it “just a snip.”

That’s the kind of cultural blind spot that future generations will look back on with horror.

“But I’m Circumcised and I’m Fine.”

That’s valid.

And this article isn’t about shame. 

This is about truth.

It’s 100% okay to feel fine about your body. But it’s also okay to feel angry. Confused. Curious. Two things can be true at once:

• You can love your body.
• And you can wish someone had given you a choice.

What matters now is what we do for the next generation.

What matters is informed consent.

What matters is breaking the cycle.

America Needs to Grow Up About Circumcision

We’re long overdue for a national conversation that isn’t built on defensiveness or tradition, but on science, ethics, and autonomy.

Imagine if doctors sat down with expecting parents and said:

“Here’s what the foreskin does. Here are the risks of circumcision. Here’s what’s normal around the world. And here’s why you might consider skipping it.”

Most parents would pause. Some would choose differently. Many already are.

Final Thoughts: You Were Born Whole

Whether you’re intact, circumcised, or somewhere in the process of foreskin restoration, this isn’t about making you feel less-than. It’s about helping you see the bigger picture.

You deserved a choice. Every baby does. And the U.S. being the outlier is a major red flag.

The good news? You’re not alone.

The conversation is growing. The culture is shifting. And the more we question what we were told was “normal,” the more freedom we create for the future.

Because normal isn’t always right. And right isn’t always popular.

But truth? That’s worth fighting for.

Resources:

• Intact America – Fighting for genital autonomy in the U.S.
• Your Whole Baby – Education and support for parents.
• Doctors Opposing Circumcision – Medical professionals advocating for ethical care.