10 Commandments Against Circumcision
by Evidence shows that the practice of male circumcision is on the decline and that there are many disadvantages associated with this ancient religious and cultural ritual. Some infants die following this procedure while others live with the trauma of the mutilation.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure during which the foreskin of the glans of the penis is excised. The procedure is routinely performed by followers of the Islam and Judaism. The foreskin is the loose tissue which surrounds the glans of the penis. Most often circumcision is performed as a religious ritual. Other reasons cited for circumcision include health benefits. This article examines the underlying reasons for circumcision and examines the benefits of circumcision, if any. An extensive literature review is done and it is concluded that there are no benefits attributable to this ancient practice.
The Trend to Circumcise is Declining
In 1988 approximately 90 % of newborn American Infant males were circumcised. In 2008 less than 60 % newborn male infants are circumcised. In the western states of the U.S. the number of circumcised male infants is less than 40 %. In Canada the number of circumcised male infants is less than 25%. Globally and naturally the uncircumcised penis is the norm. Statistics show that 85% of the world’s male population is uncircumcised. So the biological norm is the uncircumcised penis.
The Medical Perspective
Historically, society and parents of new born infants have relied upon the medical profession to provide direction about medical procedures even though Professional Organizations tend to remain neutral on many issues. The American Academy of Paediatrics is no exception. The AAP has made it clear that there is no right or wrong decision on the issue of circumcision. They appointed a task force in 1999 which recommended that:
To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision.
Emerging statistics and biology provide parents a clearer sense of direction. Latest statistics show a trend away from circumcision. However, for followers of Judaism and Islam faiths the answer may not be that simple. Parents of new born infants can be under immense pressure to have their male infants circumcised. In the end, it is my view that parents should defer the decision to circumcise until the child grows up and is able to decide for himself.
In some areas of the world circumcision is done without anaesthesia. The infant is held down by a group of family members or hospital employees and the foreskin is cut off. The amount of foreskin that is cut off depends many variables. The crying and bleeding infant is then treated with topical or systemic antibiotics so that the cut area does not become infected. The sensitive glans is wrapped tightly to prevent bleeding. Gradually the bleeding stops and the sensitive glans becomes keratinized.
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Post Commentnobert soloria bermosa
On July 6, 2008 at 7:06 am
very interesting article,i believed infants shouldn’t be circumcise,circumcision must be a choice of the person concern, here in my country, circumcision is usually done once boys reach early stage of puberty,thanks
Shergill
On July 6, 2008 at 6:02 pm
From a health perspective circumcision is unnecessary. There are no benefits to it.
In some societies it is performed as a religious ritual.
It is difficult to get society to change.
Shergill.
Shergill
On August 3, 2008 at 6:26 am
Good Day Diane,
Thank You for reading and commenting on this article. I agree with you on some issues and strongly disagree on others.
I wrote a response but then chose to write a separate article because my response became too long.
You may read my responses at: http://www.healthmad.com/Conditions-and-Diseases/Circumcision-Debate-Continues.192765 I would love to continue the debate.
Shergill.
MC Clarke
On August 9, 2008 at 7:04 am
I agree with Shergill’s arguments. They are logical and supported by academic literature.
Shergill
On September 25, 2008 at 7:43 am
Dear Paul,
I could not agree with you more.
The argument that circumcision prevents UTI is not true. My studies show that circumcision is more harmful then non-circumcision. I agree with you, “leave the foreskin unless there are compelling medical reasons”.
Jim Md Ally
On October 1, 2008 at 6:01 am
This article is an insult to Muslims and Jews alike. Delete it.
Shergill
On October 3, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Good Day Jim,
This is an academic view. Jews and Molems are free to choose their own life styles, rituals and beliefs.
Studies do not support the view that circumcision is better. The United Nations (World Health Organization) discourages circumcisions.
Keith
On December 18, 2008 at 12:27 am
Keith said,
in December 18th, 2008 at 1:20 am
The USA is the only developed country that circumcises the majority of its sons. About 60% still fall victim to this bizarre practice which cannot be in any way justified. In some European countries the practice is now outlawed.
The glans is designed by nature to be an internal organ. Why internal, well like the inside of your mouth and female labia, it’s supposed to remain moist membrane. When the foreskin is removed the chaffing against clothing turns the glans into dried out skin.
Yes, there is a heavy price to be paid for destroying the foreskin.
Shergill
On December 22, 2008 at 5:04 am
Good Day Keith,
I agree with you 100%. You have said it better and in fewer words. Sorry for my academic style. Sometimes it becomes too many words to say a few things because one wants to be politically correct.
Shergill
Marcus
On June 27, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Liberal anti-circumcision Spew, yet again, Circumcision IS cleaner, that has been proved and you are ignoring that because you have an agenda, which appears blatantly obvious to anyone that can see past your propaganda.
Shergill
On July 6, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I am neither liberal nor anti-circumcision.
80 % of the world is not circumcised. That’s the majority. Not liberal.
Yes it is not liberal to be held down and have the penis cut off.
Circumcision is not cleaner. It is bloody, dirty, unnatural and unsafe.
I am not ignoring anything. The World Health Organization says that circumcision is not for everyone. It has been proved that cicumcision does not reduce UTIs.
I am chosing to ignore you because you know hell of a lot. You love sexual mutilation and you know how to design a penis better than nature or god. You are an ultra orthodox …………..