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06/06/2012 10:50 PM

Hospitals To Warn Against Ancient Circumcision Procedure

By: NY1 News

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Several hospitals in the city agreed Wednesday to distribute a pamphlet warning new parents of the dangers of an ancient form of ritual circumcision still practiced by ultra-Orthodox Jews.

During the procedure, the mohel cleans the wound by sucking blood from the cut and spitting it aside.

Health officials said the process can spread herpes.

The City's Department of Health said two babies died in recent years after the procedure, including one at Maimonides Medical Center in March.

Two more developed brain damage.

The vast majority of Jews abandoned the procedure long ago.