Circumcisions performed between 2000 and 2019 amongst preschool-aged Australian boys (0–4 years) were obtained from the Medicare Benefits Schedule. Quarterly data for Victoria and South Australia were divided into three phases separated by (i) state-wide bans of non-therapeutic circumcision in the public sector (2007) and (ii) a disfavouring of non-therapeutic circumcisions by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (2010). Interrupted time series analyses determined differences between pre-ban (2000–2007), post-ban (2007–2010) and reversal (2010–2019) phases

Conclusion


The incidence of childhood circumcisions in Australia observed a significant rise and fall throughout the early 21st century. Medical and surgical authorities may have played an important role in the gradual reduction of procedures over the last decade.