A couple from Missouri, United States, has been charged with child abuse after allegedly performing an unsuccessful circumcision on a child in their home.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney charged Tyler Wade Gibson with child abuse and carrying out an unauthorised surgical procedure.
Local news outlets KRCG-TV and KMIZ-TV reported that Tyler’s wife, Bailey Alexus Gibson, also faces charges of child abuse.
The affidavit states that on 27 November, Tyler “knowingly performed a circumcision” on a child under the age of 18 at his home, resulting in physical injury. The document also noted that Tyler was not a registered physician or legally qualified to practise medicine or surgery.
Police were alerted by Columbia University Hospital just after midnight on 28 November regarding a child who had undergone a home circumcision in Morgan County, Missouri. It was reported that the procedure, performed by Tyler, did not go as planned. The child was initially taken to Lake Regional Hospital on the evening of 27 November before being transferred to University Hospital for further treatment.
According to the affidavit, Tyler left the hospital against medical advice in the early hours of 28 November. Police reported that he later explained their departure, saying, “they grew tired of waiting.”
Tyler admitted to using a utility tool to carry out the procedure, claiming he had “researched and prayed a blessing” beforehand. He described using pads to absorb blood and sterilising the blade but admitted he was unprepared for the extent of bleeding, which prompted the trip to the hospital.
The child’s mother, Bailey, allegedly admitted to assisting with the procedure, as stated in court documents.
Tyler was detained at the Morgan County Jail and, according to the affidavit, once again confessed to performing the circumcision.
Tyler appeared in court on Tuesday, 3 December, while Bailey is scheduled to appear on 28 January 2025.
