To circumcise or not to circumcise?

[Losty]

I know that, in America, it is legally the parents' decision. it should not be.

That's a battle I cannot join.

There is no compelling evidence for me to change my mind.

Perhaps I would think differently if I was uncut, maybe.

I can only provide my own experience as a man whose parents made the decision for me, and I have no regrets.

Here's some information in case you're interested. As far as I can find, there are no medical groups that recommend infant circumcision. There are many groups that highly discourage it, and in many countries it is illegal.

The last quote here is from a link within the link provided and is a set of UK guidelines on what is an acceptable reason to circumcise. Notice prettiness of penis and hygiene are both not listed.

http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/

"After reviewing the currently available evidence, the RACP believes that the frequency of diseases modifiable by circumcision, the level of protection offered by circumcision and the complication rates of circumcision do not warrant routine infant circumcision in Australia and New Zealand"

"The CPS recommends that "Circumcision of newborns should not be routinely (i.e.,in the absence of medical indication) performed." Since there are no medical indications for circumcision in the newborn period, in effect, the CPS is saying that newborn circumcisions should not be performed."

"The CPSBC's previous official circumcision policy statement was issued in June 2004. This position strongly cautioned physicians against the performance of unnecessary elective non-therapeutic circumcision of a child."

"the degree of benefit is small and does not support a decision to circumcise neonates."

"The Royal Dutch Medical Society (In Dutch Koninklijke Nederlandsche Maatschappij tot bevordering der Geneeskunst or KNMG) published a seventeen-page position statement in English regarding the circumcision of male children on May 27, 2010. That statement cites many problems of male circumcision and says that the operation violates the human rights of the child. It goes on to say that the KNMG would not oppose making the circumcision of male children unlawful"

"Indications for circumcision


* The one absolute indication for circumcision is scarring of the opening of the foreskin making it non-retractable (pathological phimosis). This is unusual before 5 years of age.
* Recurrent, troublesome episodes of infection beneath the foreskin (balanoposthitis) are an occasional indication for circumcision.
* Occasionally specialist paediatric surgeons or urologists may need to perform a circumcision for some rare conditions.


Criteria to be fulfilled in performing circumcision


* The operation should be performed by or under the supervision of doctors trained in children's surgery.
* The child must receive adequate pain control during and after the operation.
* The parents and, when competent, the child, must be made fully aware of the implications of this operation as it is a non-reversible procedure.
* This operation must be undertaken in an operating theatre or an environment capable of fulfilling guidelines1 for any other surgical operation.
* The person responsible for the operation must be available and capable of dealing with any complications which may arise.
* There should be close links with the patient's GP and community services for continuing care after the operation.
* Accurate records of all procedures and audit of results are essential."