Should Routine Circumcision of Male Infants be Illegal?

Contributor: underHim underHim
Quote:
Originally posted by Misfit Momma
Religions that require mutilating an infants penis should be abolished.
Really. You dont agree with an aspect of a religion so just abolish it. Interesting.
04/03/2012
Contributor: jokerzwild jokerzwild
Quote:
Originally posted by jokerzwild
FGM is not even close to circumcision in males, one is damaging one is not. Government has no place in banning this. I find those numbers of % hard to believe growing up I have only met one male that wasn't and he was teased relentlessly. ... more
I also think it is a pretty good indicator that majority of realistic dildos are circumcised penises.
04/03/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by jokerzwild
I also think it is a pretty good indicator that majority of realistic dildos are circumcised penises.
In the USA, in other parts of the world, they aren't. (The average dildo is also about about 8 inches long and 5.5 inches in circumference.... so?? Are most men that size? Most sex toys vibrate? Do men? What does what dildos look like in the USA have to do with a medical procedure?

As of the moment in the USA about 60% of baby boys are circed and about 40% are not. In progressive places like California, Portland, the North and Western areas of Chicago etc, the percentage of boys being circed is even lower. Less and less circumcisions are being covered by insurance, because it is considered "cosmetic surgery" and "not necessary for the health of the infant."

I once asked my nephew, (uncirced, as are most of the boys I know who are less than 25 or so years old in our area) if he had ever been "teased" in the locker room, or anywhere else because he was intact. He said, "Auntie Gelli, where I go to school, looking at an other guy's dick, not to mention commenting on it will get the shit beat out of you. NOBODY teases based on who is intact or who isn't. No. I've never had it mentioned and neither have any of the other guys I know who are intact or otherwise."

Basically the whole, "He'll get teased in the locker room." is not only an urban myth, but a really poor reason to perform life changing unnecessary, possibly damaging surgery on an infant.

If the stats and insurance coverage and refusal of medical professionals continues to progress, circumcision will go the way of the "routine tonsillectomy" in less than one more generation.
04/03/2012
Contributor: Mwar Mwar
I feel that it's the child's choice.
04/03/2012
Contributor: jokerzwild jokerzwild
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
In the USA, in other parts of the world, they aren't. (The average dildo is also about about 8 inches long and 5.5 inches in circumference.... so?? Are most men that size? Most sex toys vibrate? Do men? What does what dildos look like in the USA ... more
Its not a myth it might be less true now as it is more common to be uncircumcised. All the arguments not to do it are weak to say the least let alone to outlaw it. It is not damaging in the least and the only reason it is called Cosmetic surgery now is insurance companies don't want to have to pay for it.
04/03/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by jokerzwild
Its not a myth it might be less true now as it is more common to be uncircumcised. All the arguments not to do it are weak to say the least let alone to outlaw it. It is not damaging in the least and the only reason it is called Cosmetic surgery now ... more
Actually, there are a number of serious penis damaging injuries every year due to infant circumcision (I'm a Maternal Infant Health nurse, and also a member of Nurses Against Circumcision, an anti-circ group. I refuse to participate in them in any way.)

There are a number of deaths a year in babies due to circumcision. This in no way can be considered "harmless" even if it only effects a small number of infants.


Somewhere in the ball park of at least half a dozen male baby boys end up having actual sex change type surgeries when too much of the penis is taken, and often these boys don't find out until they are older and know they were meant to be male and were raise female. There are thousands of serious (but not genital changing) problems every year with circumcision, not to mention the damaging effect on feeding, wakefulness, eye contact and maternal infant bonding (mostly because the baby isn't feeding properly and is spending most of his time after birth with his eyes closed to fight the terrific pain.)

I've seen baby boys go from completely "pro" nursers shortly after birth, to refusing to latch and feed, and it's been proven that circs harm the breastfeeding and M/I relationship in many situations. Yes, it's usually fixable, but for the mother who already has things to deal with, the baby suddenly refusing to nurse or latch may make her decide to forget the whole thing. I've seen it more times than I can count.

It is far from "not damaging in the least." Did Nature make a.... mistake by giving males foreskins? I think not.

Here's a good page to read from the Peaceful Parenting website about this bonding and breastfeeding effects from cutting babies. link
04/03/2012
Contributor: PeaceToTheMiddleEast PeaceToTheMiddleEast
Quote:
Originally posted by MaryExy
I'd rather have it legal than end up with parents getting it done in back alleys and such (and yes, I believe some people would rather do that than have their child go uncircumcised.) I think some more publicity for the issue would be good; ... more
I agree here. My son is circumcised. I would rather it also done in the hospital instead of some back street. Yea it is harder to clean then a non circumcised one. But some people get lazy too and when you pull that skin back it is nasty, smelly and gross. To each their own we have a right to say no or yes when asked. It is not to be considered child abuse.
04/03/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by PeaceToTheMiddleEast
I agree here. My son is circumcised. I would rather it also done in the hospital instead of some back street. Yea it is harder to clean then a non circumcised one. But some people get lazy too and when you pull that skin back it is nasty, smelly and ... more
I work in health care, and I've never heard of a "back street circumcision?" What are you referring to?

As for foreskins being "dirty and nasty and gross" if you wait until the foreskin retracts normally, (somewhere between the age of 2 and the young teen years) it isn't a problem to clean. Is a vagina a problem to clean?

Here; Watch Dr. Kutter in action with his obviously well thought out reasons FOR circing.

link (Yes, this IS a send up.)

I could also post a video of an actual circumcision, if anyone wants to see it. Get your ear plugs out, unless one can wait until the baby loses his voice from pain and screaming until his breath gives out....
04/03/2012
Contributor: jokerzwild jokerzwild
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
Actually, there are a number of serious penis damaging injuries every year due to infant circumcision (I'm a Maternal Infant Health nurse, and also a member of Nurses Against Circumcision, an anti-circ group. I refuse to participate in them in ... more
The fact that there is a Nurses Against Circumcision, an anti-circ group shows that there still are plenty of people in the industry that do not agree with your opinions (which you are more then welcome to). If people don't agree with it by all means you choose for your child maybe there is even enough of you feel that way that your boys wont feel bitter about towards you (I sure would have if my parents denied mine), but to go around saying it should be illegal because you don't agree is beyond wrong.
04/03/2012
Contributor: underHim underHim
Quote:
Originally posted by jokerzwild
The fact that there is a Nurses Against Circumcision, an anti-circ group shows that there still are plenty of people in the industry that do not agree with your opinions (which you are more then welcome to). If people don't agree with it by all ... more
I agree. Parents have to make choices all the time based on what they believe is best for their child. Whether it is circumcision, vaccinations, and in my sons case cochlear implants, there will be someone out there who says you are a terrible parent for doing it.
04/03/2012
Contributor: hyacinthgirl hyacinthgirl
Well, vaccinations are a bit different. If you don't vaccinate your son, he is not only more likely to die of an easily preventable disease, but all the people around him are also put at increased risk. If you choose not to circumcise your infant, it stays in his diaper. No increased risk of disease, no increased risk of death.

I've read somewhere that religious circumcision used to be just the tip of the foreskin being cut, rather than the whole thing being removed. I don't know if that's true, but it sounds much more reasonable and safe, especially since babies are slightly sedated at their bris.
04/03/2012
Contributor: PeaceToTheMiddleEast PeaceToTheMiddleEast
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I work in health care, and I've never heard of a "back street circumcision?" What are you referring to?

As for foreskins being "dirty and nasty and gross" if you wait until the foreskin retracts normally, (somewhere ... more
I don't have to watch anything my son is 12 years old now. I am not having no more kids. I could care less I posted what I said and gave my opinion I don't have time to sit and argue with someone for their views on something.

Like I said to each their own it is what they want to do. I did it and that is that. I am off this because it looks like it is already a heated discussion I don't want to be a apart of. I already had enough of those already on this forum. I am not ready to be in another one.
04/03/2012
Contributor: Various Various
I think parents should be able to make their own decision with it comes to circumcision. I'm not sure what side of the fence I stand on, but if I have have a boy I don't want to be told what I am or am not allowed to do as his parent.
04/03/2012
Contributor: wildorchid wildorchid
Not going to speak for other people's choices as a parent. I personally will leave the choice up to my son when he comes of age (if I ever have a son). I know one man who opted to have the surgery because his foreskin was too tight and caused him pain and circulation issues. According to him, it was a decision he was happy to make. I understand why some men may prefer it.
04/03/2012
Contributor: Sex Positivity Sex Positivity
I don't think it should be illegal because, much like abortion, it will happen anyway. However, I don't think it would be a common practice.
04/04/2012
Contributor: BeepBop BeepBop
I'm not sure about making it totally illegal, but I do think there should be more info out there about the pointlessness and dangers of the practice.
04/22/2012
Contributor: CollegeFun2014 CollegeFun2014
As an intact male I can say that there are times I do wish I was cut but that might be due to social "pressures" or misunderstandings. I do believe that being uncut has its benefits such as extra lubrication during masturbation or intercourse. In terms of health, as long as you clean up you should be fine. I have never had an issue.
04/22/2012
Contributor: michael scofield michael scofield
it should only be done if there is a reason like a problem with the forskin. that is all other than that it should not be dont the forskin is there for a purpose.
04/22/2012
Contributor: meezerosity meezerosity
Yes I feel it should be illegal unless there are medical reasons. In my eyes it is mutilation. If the boy wants it done later in life he can choose the procedure himself.
04/28/2012
Contributor: Sex Positivity Sex Positivity
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
Since it is irreversible, I believe the decision to be circumcised should be delayed until adulthood when the individual can make the decision for themselves. However, it's easy for me to say this since it plays no part in my religion. For others ... more
Perfect answer.
04/28/2012
Contributor: Undead Undead
No, I think things should just be left how they are with it.
04/28/2012
Contributor: Claire-Bear Claire-Bear
Not illegal per se, but parents should have the choice on whether they want it done or not.
05/29/2012
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
I'm shocked that circumcision is still so common when it has been debunked as "necessary" and "cleaner" long ago. And the idea that someone would do that to their child because it "looks nicer" really turns my stomach. Really, they should only be done when medically necessary, as in males that are prone to infection. It's an unnecessary surgery that can not be undone. Add to that all the horrible things that can go wrong and the fact that many hospitals don't even numb one of the most sensitive parts of the male body before cutting a piece of it off... How is this still routine? How is it OK? How is it normal? Seriously, it is no different than removing a female's clitoral hood. There's no point and it tortures the newborn.

When our sons were born, hubs and I were very upfront that there is to be no circumcision. The hospital our first was born in asked us a bunch of times if we were sure.

It's one of the best decisions we ever made. When they grow up, if they want it done, that will be their choice. But we refused to make an irreversible, anatomy-changing choice for them.
07/31/2012
Contributor: KrissyNovacaine KrissyNovacaine
I don't want it outlawed because women in our culture for the most part are uneducated about it. Educate girls about foreskin and then abolish the practice.
07/31/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by jokerzwild
The fact that there is a Nurses Against Circumcision, an anti-circ group shows that there still are plenty of people in the industry that do not agree with your opinions (which you are more then welcome to). If people don't agree with it by all ... more
You can always have a circumcision as an adult, if you think your parents made a mistake by not having you cut. It's pretty damn hard to regrow a gland that was destroyed when you were an infant without your consent.
07/31/2012
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by SneakersAndPearls
I'm shocked that circumcision is still so common when it has been debunked as "necessary" and "cleaner" long ago. And the idea that someone would do that to their child because it "looks nicer" really turns my ... more
Amen, sister! The whole issue rests on consent which parents don't have for doing this medically unnecessary procedure to their children. One cannot just do "whatever I want" to one's own child. Laws prevent that. That would be like saying a parent could get their 12 year old breast implants because "it looks better." and "they have the right."

Why is this any different? If men want to be circed, they are certainly free to have it done as adults, as long as they can prove they know all the risks and problems it can cause, just like any other cosmetic surgery.

Thank you for your wise words.
07/31/2012
Contributor: Madsinner Madsinner
Quote:
Originally posted by anonomous
I feel like they should be able to choose whatever they want.
Parents decision. But I am still reseacrhing it
07/31/2012
Contributor: Sexy Time! Sexy Time!
Let the kid decide when he is old enough to understand it. If it were done this way I have a feeling circumcision would be a lot less common.

If someone asked me if I wanted a part of my penis cut off when I was a teen (definitely old enough to understand), I would have ran for the hills!
08/08/2012
Contributor: brevado brevado
Outlawing circumcision is ridiculous!
08/09/2012
Contributor: stlouisxxx stlouisxxx
To many damn laws already. Let the parents decide.
08/12/2012