NPR: New York, Orthodox Jews Clash Over Circumcision

Public Health vs. Religious Ritual: Dr. Jay Varma on Circumcision Debate in NYC

In this episode of NPR’s All Things Considered, aired December 3, 2012, Dr. Jay Varma, New York City’s Deputy Commissioner for Disease Control, joins reporter Joel Rose to address a controversial public health issue involving the ancient Jewish circumcision ritual known as metzitzah b’peh.

The ritual—practiced by some in the Orthodox Jewish community—involves direct oral suction by a mohel (ritual circumciser) following the circumcision of a newborn boy. The NYC Health Department, led by Dr. Varma and other officials, had recently documented 11 confirmed cases of neonatal herpes linked to this practice—two of which resulted in infant deaths.

“Of the 11 cases we have absolutely confirmed… we know that two babies have died. Those are deaths we would have liked to have avoided,” said Dr. Varma, emphasizing the city’s responsibility to protect infants from preventable harm.

To address this risk, NYC proposed a regulation requiring informed, written parental consent before the ritual could be performed. The rule did not ban the practice outright, but it sparked backlash from Orthodox leaders who claimed the regulation infringed on religious freedom.

Dr. Varma defended the city’s approach as measured and respectful, explaining that the goal was not to outlaw religious rituals, but to ensure that parents understand the potential medical risks. “We’re merely mandating that people who undergo a procedure that is risky be aware of those risks before it occurs,” he explained.

The regulation triggered a lawsuit by religious organizations seeking to block its enforcement. They argued that the law forced religious officials to deliver a government message, violating their First Amendment rights.

This interview highlights the delicate balance between public health mandates and religious liberty—a theme that Dr. Varma has navigated throughout his career. It also underscores the role of science and transparency in shaping policy, even when those policies face resistance from powerful cultural institutions.

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