In fact, there is considerable disagreement about the advisability of circumcision. According to one national survey, 33 percent of American obstetricians and pediatricians are personally opposed to circumcision, though some of them may not disclose this to their patients. Some doctors and nurses have refused to participate in circumcisions. In addition, some circumcised men are revealing long-standing opposition to circumcision or are adopting such a stance after learning more about the practice. Parents’ views and choices are changing, too. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the circumcision rate has dropped from a peak of about 85 percent to about 60 percent nationally and to only about 35 percent in some areas of the country. What do these people know? What motivates their opposition? Is it wise to continue subjecting our children to a practice that has provoked growing criticism and questioning? Does it matter that about 3,500 circumcisions are still performed every day, one every twenty-five seconds? From a global perspective, most of the world rejects circumcision: over 80 percent of the world’s males are intact (not circumcised). Most circumcised men are Muslim or Jewish. The United States is the only country in the world that circumcises most of its male infants for nonreligious reasons. The public perception is that there are valid health reasons to circumcise associated with cleanliness and protection from various diseases. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the country’s largest organization of physicians who care for infants, has not found any proven medical benefit from circumcision. In fact, no national medical organization in the world recommends routine circumcision of male infants. Furthermore, the results of the latest research are arousing some concern about this often misunderstood surgical procedure, and critics are charging that circumcision causes serious harm.

How can a common, routine procedure cause harm?
How could this alleged harm have escaped the notice of doctors, parents, men—the whole society—for so long? How would people react, and what would it say about us if circumcision were found to have a negative impact?

The public is generally unaware of the controversy about circumcision, because circumcision has never had the full and open debate that many believe it deserves. However, that is changing. Increasingly, newspaper and magazine articles, radio and television shows, and a growing network of committed peopleare focusing attention on the subject. Some media stories on circumcision have elicited a surprising amount of mail and comment requesting better and more extensive reporting on this issue.

New information about circumcision often conflicts with previous teachings and long-held beliefs. Many people, including doctors, are confused by what they learn. If our world makes sense, then there must be a coherent explanation for all the apparently contradictory information. The conflicting conclusions, beliefs, and opinions surrounding circumcision, together with the tenacity with which advocates and opponents of circumcision hold on to their viewpoints, suggest that deep psychological factors are involved. I believe that the heart of the circumcision issue lies beyond the field of medicine.

This book addresses two main questions:
(a) Why are circumcisions really being done? and (b) What effect does circumcision have on us? More specific questions include

1. What motivates doctors and parents to circumcise? Is this a rational or an emotional decision?
2. Why is the United States the only country in the world that circumcises most of its male infants for nonreligious reasons? Do we know something other countries don’t, or do they know something we don’t want to know?
3. What, exactly, happens during a circumcision? Is it “just a little snip” or much more, as some claim?
4. Does the infant feel “discomfort” or extreme pain and possibly trauma? If circumcision is traumatic, psychological effects could be long-term.
5. Can infants remember their experience? Any evidence that a male retains such memories would support possible long-term effects.
6. What are the possible long-term psychological effects of circumcision? Could something that happened that long ago make any difference now?
7. What is the sexual impact of circumcision? Does sex feel the same without a foreskin as with one?
8. How does circumcision affect the mother-child relationship? Any negative effect that results from the procedure could also have long-term implications.
9. Does circumcision affect the male-female relationship? If there are effects, women cannot avoid them.
10. 10.  How does circumcision affect our society? Is there any possible connection to either common or extreme forms of social behavior?

Amazingly, some of these questions have never been studied, perhaps because they are too disturbing. Close examination could threaten personal and cultural beliefs and challenge current mainstream assumptions about medical and mental health practice. Despite our possible discomfort, we need to know if we are harming ourselves and our children. Since circumcision touches on so many aspects of life—physical, sexual, psychological, social, historical, and religious, to name a few—many find learning about the practice both engaging and challenging. Indeed, examining the subject of circumcision is a surprisingly rewarding path to learning more about ourselves. If this book challenges any of your most firmly held assumptions and beliefs about circumcision and society, I urge you to allow yourself to question them. Perhaps it would be even more valuable to allow yourself to notice and experience any feelings that may be stimulated by what you read.

It is not so important that all agree about the ideas presented in this book,but it is critical that an open discussion take place. I hope this work serves to stimulate and expand the dialogue. Whatever you think and feel about what you read, I would welcome your response.

Comments

I do not feel that my son
has in any way been "traumatized"
From: Linda
I, too, am disturbed by the fact that this procedure is referred to as "traumatic".  I also had my son circumcised.  The procedure took place a few hours after he was born.  I know men that weren't circumcised at birth, and had to have it done in their thirties and forties!!  This was my main motivation for having my son circumcised.  I did not want Evan having to go through that when he got older.  My husband is not circumcised, and he is not very comfortable with that.  I do not feel that my son has in any way been "traumatized".  I just feel that it is a personal decision for parents to make.

...a family should make a choice...
From: ktumlin
In response to all that I have read on circumcision, I believe a family should make a choice in the matter of whether or not to have their baby circumcised.  Many of the letters I have read are putting down having a circumcision.  I believe it is their chioce if they do not want this done to their sons.  Some people however feel differently on the matter, and I do not think they should be made to feel like it is a horrible procedure.  I had my son circumcised right after he was born.  I believe it was my choice to do what I believe is right for my son.  Many people may not agree, but that is their own opinion not everybodys.  If doctors thought it was such an awful procedure then they would not offer it, and if God thought it was so bad then Jesus would not have been circumcised.  I do not believe that so many people complain about this.  Having your baby curcumcised is for a family to decide.  It should not be anyone elses business.

Review by: Christiane Northrup, MD,
obstetrician, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Choices
"I always knew that circumcision was a procedure with roots at a level much deeper than that of a mere "medical" procedure. Finally, Ronald Goldman has written a courageous book that makes the strongest possible case for abandoning circumcision once and for all-for the health of all of us, men and women alike."

Circumcision: Yes or No?
by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN
There is a current swirl of controversy surrounding the age old practice of circumcision. For generations of newborn boys this has been a widely accepted and performed surgical procedure. Today there are concerns from parents and doctors alike about the benefits of circumcision. Find out more.

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Meet the Author
Jill Dunford
author of: "Teach Me Mommy"
hosted by Sue Spataro
interview & FREE excerpt

Teach Me Mommy is a step by step themed book that gives parents lessons that will teach their preschoolers in a fun and relaxed way.  The book is simple to use and includes crafts, book recommends and topics to cover that are perfect for the preschooler. In the interview with author Jill Dunford, she describes how to set up your own nursery school complete with activities along with a FREE excerpt to help you see how this is done.