Submitted by Joe (not verified) on June 2, 2008 - 7:43pm.
Tony Said: "Wow, I didn't realize there was so much data in support of not circumcising. I also talked with some OB-GYNs who confirmed that there is "no real medical reason" for circumcision."
Tony Asked: "So, with such compelling data, why is the practice represent the norm?"
Actually, it only represents the norm in the US. No other countries practice non-therapeutic infant circumcision on the scale that we do. Circumcision is practically unheard of in Europe, Non-Muslim Asia, South and Central America among other places. It has become recently rare in Australia and Canada. It represents the norm because most people in the US still believe there is some substantial benefit and by and large American doctors don't seem inclined to truly educate the public with regard to this issue. It seems they try and feel out what your opinion is and the 'support' it without rocking the boat so to speak. If you ask directly, as you did, you get the correct answer. From my observation it also seems to be the case that many US doctors don't practice conservative treatment when it comes to intact boys. Hence John's post.
Does this deserve more attention?
Yes. I, and many other, believe this issue deserve a lot more attention. If you're interested visit www.nocirc.orgwww.cirp.org or www.circumstitions.com One good way to give the issue more attention, in my opinion, is discussing it on blogs like this.
To the OP: John originally, I mentioned you should ask what the Dr. would do if he was a girl. Perhaps it is more fitting to ask if he was circumcised what would the next step be?
An Answer For Tony
Tony Said: "Wow, I didn't realize there was so much data in support of not circumcising. I also talked with some OB-GYNs who confirmed that there is "no real medical reason" for circumcision."
Tony Asked: "So, with such compelling data, why is the practice represent the norm?"
Actually, it only represents the norm in the US. No other countries practice non-therapeutic infant circumcision on the scale that we do. Circumcision is practically unheard of in Europe, Non-Muslim Asia, South and Central America among other places. It has become recently rare in Australia and Canada. It represents the norm because most people in the US still believe there is some substantial benefit and by and large American doctors don't seem inclined to truly educate the public with regard to this issue. It seems they try and feel out what your opinion is and the 'support' it without rocking the boat so to speak. If you ask directly, as you did, you get the correct answer. From my observation it also seems to be the case that many US doctors don't practice conservative treatment when it comes to intact boys. Hence John's post.
Does this deserve more attention?
Yes. I, and many other, believe this issue deserve a lot more attention. If you're interested visit www.nocirc.org www.cirp.org or www.circumstitions.com One good way to give the issue more attention, in my opinion, is discussing it on blogs like this.
To the OP: John originally, I mentioned you should ask what the Dr. would do if he was a girl. Perhaps it is more fitting to ask if he was circumcised what would the next step be?