Missouri – Missouri man and his wife face charges of child abuse and unauthorized practice of medicine or surgery after attempting to perform a circumcision on their infant son at home. The couple, identified as 35-year-old TyIer and 32-year-old BaiIey, told authorities they used a sanitized blade for the procedure, which resulted in serious injuries to the child.
The investigation began after the parents brought their infant to the hospital, where medical staff observed significant bleeding. According to police reports, the couple left the hospital against medical advice, frustrated with the wait time. Hospital staff alerted authorities, prompting an investigation.
Police later discovered that the parents had attempted to circumcise their son at their residence. The father admitted during an interview that he performed the procedure using a sanitized blade, which authorities described as a utility tool. He claimed to have researched the process online and said a prayer before beginning, despite having no medical training. The parents attempted to control the bleeding with gauze pads but were unprepared for the severity of the blood loss, local news outlet KRCG reported.
The child’s mother acknowledged feeling hesitant about the procedure but ultimately assisted her partner. She expressed concerns beforehand but chose to support his decision. The infant was later brought back to the hospital for emergency treatment, and Child Protective Services (CPS) intervened, removing the couple’s five children from their home.
The parents are currently being held on a $25,000 bond, with their next court appearance scheduled for January 28, 2025. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, which has drawn attention to the risks associated with untrained individuals attempting medical procedures at home. This case highlights the dangers of bypassing professional medical care and raises questions about ensuring the safety and well-being of children in similar situations.