# Is metzitzah b'peh illegal in the United States?

Natalie Fletcher · August 4, 2026

> Metzitzah b'peh is a traditional Jewish practice in which a mohel uses oral suction to draw blood from a circumcision wound, a ritual dating back to...

Metzitzah b'peh is a traditional Jewish practice in which a mohel uses oral suction to draw blood from a circumcision wound, a ritual dating back to ancient texts like the Mishna from around 200 CE.

In the United States, there is no federal law prohibiting metzitzah b'peh, but its practice has been controversial and subject to local health regulations, especially in places like New York City.

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The CDC has linked metzitzah b'peh to cases of neonatal herpes, which can be fatal; a report indicated that several infants contracted the virus after undergoing this procedure.

In 2012, an infant's death in New York was attributed to complications from herpes contracted during a metzitzah b'peh procedure, prompting public health officials to raise concerns about its safety.

Some rabbinic authorities have advocated for the use of a metzitzah tube, a device designed to minimize direct oral contact and reduce health risks associated with the traditional method.

In certain jurisdictions, health departments have implemented mandates requiring mohels to obtain informed consent from parents before performing metzitzah b'peh, highlighting the conflict between tradition and health concerns.

A study published in 2017 estimated that approximately 3,600 newborn boys in New York City undergo metzitzah b'peh each year, illustrating the prevalence of the practice among certain Jewish communities.

The practice is defended by some within the Jewish community as a vital aspect of the circumcision ritual, believed to have both spiritual and physical significance, despite health risks.

Metzitzah b'peh is considered uncommon among many Jews, even within the Orthodox community, with many not aware of its existence or implications.

Public health debates surrounding metzitzah b'peh often highlight the tension between religious freedom and the protection of child health, raising questions about parental rights and medical ethics.

In 1888, prominent rabbinic figures in Europe proposed using a metzitzah tube as a safer alternative, acknowledging the potential risks of the traditional method while aiming to preserve the ritual's integrity.

Legal actions and public protests have emerged in response to health department regulations regarding metzitzah b'peh, showcasing the passionate viewpoints on both sides of the debate.

Some states have considered legislation that would regulate or ban metzitzah b'peh, further complicating the landscape of religious practices and public health policies.

The debate over metzitzah b'peh is emblematic of broader discussions about cultural practices in the face of modern medical understanding, challenging the boundaries of tradition and the evolving understanding of health risks.

The Jewish legal framework, or halacha, provides guidelines for circumcision, but interpretations vary widely, leading to differing practices regarding metzitzah b'peh among Jewish communities.

Research shows that the herpes simplex virus can be particularly dangerous for newborns, with a mortality rate of about 30% if left untreated, intensifying the scrutiny of practices like metzitzah b'peh.

In jurisdictions where metzitzah b'peh is practiced, some health officials have launched educational campaigns to inform families of the associated risks, aiming to balance tradition with safety.

The World Health Organization has emphasized the importance of informed consent in medical procedures, including circumcision, which has implications for how metzitzah b'peh is approached in current discourse.

The controversy surrounding metzitzah b'peh reflects broader societal issues regarding religious practices, public health interventions, and the rights of parents to make decisions for their children.

As discussions about metzitzah b'peh evolve, they may influence future legal and medical frameworks, potentially leading to new guidelines that respect cultural practices while prioritizing child health and safety.

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