A couple in Missouri has been slapped with felony charges of child abuse after they performed and botched an in-home circumcision on a child.
Tyler Wade Gibson, who has no prior medical training, "knowingly performed a circumcision" on a child under the age of 18 in his home in Morgan County, Missouri. However, the procedure did not go as planned, and suffered "physical injury."
The surgery, performed on November 27, failed. This led Gibson to bring the child to the Lake Regional Hospital which was moved to Columbia University Hospital for treatment, according to a probable cause affidavit.
How Was the Crime Discovered?
Police were alerted to the crime after receiving a report from staff members at the University Hospital shortly after midnight on November 28 about a child who had undergone a circumcision at home. A subsequent investigation also found that Gibson left the hospital against medical advice on early November 28 because they "grew tired of waiting."
Speaking with police, Gibson revealed he used a "utility tool" to circumcise the child despite having no prior medical training. He argued that he "conducted research and prayed a blessing" before performing the procedure.
When asked why he took the child to the hospital, Gibson said he was not prepared for the amount of bleeding that happened during the circumcision. It is unclear whether the child would suffer permanent damage.
Gibson has since been taken to the Morgan County Jail and is facing charges of child abuse and performing an unauthorized surgery. His wife, Bailey Alexus Gibson, has also been charged with child abuse for assisting in the procedure.
Gibson was scheduled to appear in court on December 3, while Bailey is set to make a court appearance on January 28, per KRCG-TV.
Why Is At-Home Circumcision Dangerous?
Without professional medical oversight, at-home circumcision can lead to severe complications, including significant blood loss, hemorrhagic shock, infection, excessive scarring, and wound healing problems.
At-home circumcisions typically lack the use of anesthesia and other pain management systems, leading to extreme discomfort and potentially psychological trauma.
Furthermore, incorrect techniques can lead to more skin being removed, which could cause functional issues. Injuring surrounding structures, such as the glans and urethra, can also have long-term consequences on sexual function and urinary health.
