Circumcision
The Great Debate

The age old practice of circumcision of our new born boys is now a hot debate.

In some religions such as Jewish and Muslim, circumcision is practiced as tradition. In some cultures it is considered a rite of passage into manhood.

But now, in the millennium, circumcision is being considered a painful and unnecessary procedure and one that is no longer practiced without careful consideration by the parents-to-be.

It is a very personal decision. We are all aware of the old pros and cons of this issue including health and cleanliness of the child, sexual appeal for the wives of the future, and the feeling that boys should "look like" their fathers. But times have changed and so have parenting practices.

In making this decision for my two boys, I carefully researched the facts. The following helped me make my decision:

Circumcised boys account for about 60% of the boys in the US today.

That leaves 40% uncircumcised (which answered the question, "What about in the locker room at school?")

There is no proven medical reason to circumcise a baby boy.

Care of the uncircumcised penis is as simple as washing any other part of the baby.

It is a painful procedure for the infant.

It is considered unnecessary surgery. (For a helpless newborn?)

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that this decision be made prior to the delivery of your child.

A fatigued new mother is in no condition to make this type of decision.

The AAP further states that, amid the controversy, "new information suggests that there are medical benefits to circumcision. Recent studies have concluded that male infants who are not circumcised may be more likely to develop urinary tract infections than those who are." They go on to state that "further studies are needed to confirm this observation..."

Also, according to the AAP, " Circumcision does, however, pose certain risks such as infection and bleeding. If the baby is born prematurely, has an illness at birth or has congenital birth defects or blood problems, he definitely should not be immediately circumcised. The procedure should be performed only on stable, healthy infants."

Robyn's Nest and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that parents-to-be discuss this issue privately with their pediatrician, family members and friends before making the decision to circumcise.

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Circumcision - The Great Debate

Circumcision The Great Debate

Circumcision
The Great Debate