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Article: 21064
[Legal]
Date Posted:
8/19/2009
5:48:42 pm EDT
Wvox Stats
Views: 3,413
RSS: 19,898
Comments: 17
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Male Circumcision Sparks Legal Review
Author: Paul Carter Source: Canberra Times (AU)
Title: MALE CIRCUMCISION SPARKS LEGAL REVIEW
Laws protect girls from genital surgery but parents wanting to circumcise boys can ''go around willy-nilly chopping up bits of their sons'', a state children's commissioner says.
Tasmania's commissioner for children, Paul Mason, and the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute have embarked on what they say is the largest review into the legalities of male circumcision in Australia's history.
Mr Mason said a critical issue for any non-therapeutic circumcision was whether parental consent was sufficient to protect a surgeon from legal action if the child's genital autonomy was thought to have been infringed.
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Community Thoughts: There are 17 comments posted | Reverse Sort |
| Facts Vs Fiction | Aug 21st. at 2:04:23 am EDT
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NightLad (Toronto, Ontario) - Email Me
1) Circumcision Reduces Penile Cancer
In June of 1999 the American Cancer Society issued a 5-part advisory statement on penile cancer. Circumcision is NOT considered to be beneficial in preventing or reducing the risk of penile cancer.
Furthermore, Penile Cancer is an extremely rare form of melanoma occurring in less than 1% of men over the age of 70. The concept of removing a healthy, functional part of a baby’s genitals as a preventable measure is ludicrous. By that logic why not remove a baby girl’s mammary buds so she will never get breast cancer?
2) Circumcision Reduces HIV/AIDS
This claim has come under scrutiny and criticism within the medical community. It stems from a study conducted in West Africa, where a massive amount of the population is both HIV+ and intact (uncircumcised) .
In short; this would be like me going to China to perform a study on Cancer rates and concluding that mostly Chinese people get cancer.
This study also ignores the fact that many European countries that do not routinely circumcise their sons possess some of the lowest rates of HIV/AIDS transmission in the world, per capita.
3) Male & Female Circumcision are two different things
There are several forms of female circumcision practiced around the world, but here in the West most people are only familiar with the most brutal/shocking variety; removing the entire clitoris and surrounding tissue. This form of FGM (female genital mutilation) would be on par with removing the glans (head) of a boy’s penis. However, this variety of FGM accounts for less than 5% world-wide, mostly in sub-Sahara Africa.
The far more common (and perfectly legal in most countries) form of FMG consists of skinning back the labia hood, which would physically be on par with removing a boy’s foreskin.
Physical differences/similarities aside, I think the real reason many people compare the two is based on the ethical question is raises: why is a girl’s body “hers” yet a boy’s body is considered “property”?
More and more people are viewing this as a human rights violation. The logic goes; in a truly equal society “My Body, My Choice” cannot only apply to one gender.
4) The foreskin doesn’t do anything so why not cut it off?
The foreskin’s primary purpose is to protect the still-developing glans of the penis after birth so they are not exposed to urine and feces. For this purpose the foreskin does not even retract until the child is about toddler-age.
In addition to this primary function, the foreskin provides built-in lubrication during sex (studies suggest that it contributes to vaginal comfort and does not promote dryness) , it produces a unique type of enzyme that aids in the healing of abrasions, it maintains the natural internal-organ state of the glans of the penis, it protects the sensitivity of the glans, and many other positive functions.
5) We wanted him to look like his dad
I’m adding this one as an after-thought because it is possibly one of the most disturbing arguments I’ve heard. I mean, are dad & son going to be holding penis-comparison competitions or something?
If dad only had one eye or arm would you ‘fix’ Jr. to look like him, too?
Personal Religious Logic:
The Gods put it there for a reason. Every male of virtually every species has one.
Even parts of the body that we KNOW can cause serious health complications later in life (like the appendix) are left alone until they prove a need to be removed. On that note, let us remember that the appendix, which was thought to be a useless left-over organ for centuries, has recently been proven to serve a very positive purpose in protecting the good-bacteria during illness. What further benefited effects of the foreskin will one day be proven? I do not believe we can ever know better than the Gods.
In Closing:
I have no problem with men and women that want to cosmetically modify their bodies. As a consenting adult, I wish them all the best. Heck, I’ll drive them to the hospital myself! However, no person should have the ‘right’ to choose for another person an elective, body-modifying, surgical procedure that leaves a life-long scar – for many men, just as emotional as it is physical.
Thank you for your time.
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| As Chelsea Handler Puts It | Aug 20th. at 11:20:51 pm EDT
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Marius Silverwolf (Christmas, Florida) - Email Me
"Parent's shouldn't make that decision. The girl who's going to be sleeping with the guy in 20 years should make that decision, and here's a hint, ladies, you want it cut."
There's more evidence in favor of it being more beneficial than ineffectual, and that was enough for my wife and me when we had our son. Our hospital must be unique, though. They used a local anesthetic, to the tune of a $60 charge.
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| Since... | Aug 20th. at 7:01:48 pm EDT
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Corax (Glendale, Arizona) - Email Me
the buybull is against foreskins, it MUST be a good thing to keep it!
jehova is the Author of Torture!
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| Pediatrician's Retort | Aug 20th. at 5:29:38 pm EDT
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Sheena (Kirksville, Missouri) - Email Me
Do you know the best way to stop the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases? A condom.
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| Talk About Misinformation! | Aug 20th. at 4:48:57 pm EDT
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R. Cicero (Seattle, Washington) - Email Me
On the one hand, you can read the peer-reviewed research and clinical studies that have been collated and summarized by the CDC, or you can ponder the off-kilter, hysterical enumerations of 'Mothers Against Circumcision', who would also like to talk to you about foreskin restoration! My god. The research is clear. We have lived amid the rise and now relatively controlled spread of HIV, which still rages across Africa. Circumcision has been clinically proven to reduce the ratio of female-to-male transmission. Circumcision has been clinically proven to reduce the 'incubation' of viruses, which is no joke with Syphilis once again on the rise (you can thank the neo-cons for that too) . Surgical mishaps are noted as exceedingly rare. The risk is nothing compared to your average tonsillectomy! Does it look pretty on the operating table? I can't imagine a single surgical procedure that does. People, including controlling psychotic mothers, are kept out of surgical rooms for what must be the most obvious reasons in the world: safety and sanity!
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| A Pediatrician's View | Aug 20th. at 4:30:20 pm EDT
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Sheena (Kirksville, Missouri) - Email Me
To start, I am a pediatrician who is dead set against this brutal act of genital mutilation. It removes a piece of skin that actually contains about half of the "pleasure" fibers/nerves. These nerves exist near the base of the foreskin where, during sex, is meant to rub against the base of the head of the penis where the other half of the pleasure fibers/nerves exist.
According to studies, male infants who have undergone this procedure have a significantly more extreme response to pain for several months to years later in life. (Hence I beg to differ with the person who states that circs have no lasting affect on the infant) They also seem to have more "trust" issues. Just think about it. This little newborn is strapped down to a board and many times without any anesthetic whatsoever, a piece of their flesh which is more sensitive that the fingertips or lips is sliced off. The infant cries for his mother to save him, but she never comes. For those of you who says it doesn't hurt them, you really should be present to watch this ungodly act of cruelty.
Circumcisions were originally instituted back in the '40's as a means to keep men from masturbating (worked real well didn't it) .
The US has the highest rate of circumcisions out of all the "developed" countries. And, yet, it's rate of penile cancer and infections is no different than in those where circs are a rarity.
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| So Much Misinformation | Aug 20th. at 3:19:55 pm EDT
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Amber Pheonix (Sitka, Alaska) - Email Me
It is truly alarming how much misinformation is out there about male circumcision. It has not been proven to lower STD rates, it has a minimal affect on penile cancer rates, and most problems with seem by uncut men in the united states is from forceable retraction. The foreskin should never be retracted by force. It is totally normal for the foreskin not to retract until late in puberty. The AAP even states that it is medically unnecessary to perform routine infant circumcision. The sad fact is that most doctors in America have no and I mean zero training in the proper care of an uncircumcised penis. It is a cosmetic procedure and should not be performed on anyone ,boy or girl, without their consent. I think it should be banned except in real medical instances. Something like 90% of the adult circs that happen in this country result in improper care. In a world where information is readily at our fingertips there is no reason for such a lack of knowledge. The foreskin is there to protect and taking it off causes way more problems. Just ask any guy who has a really tight circumcision just how much it causes problems. And never, ever, I don't care what your pediatrician says, ever forcibly retract a child's foreskin.
Find More info -- HERE
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| Sword Games | Aug 20th. at 1:43:00 pm EDT
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R. Cicero (Seattle, Washington) - Email Me
Unfortunately, it is a Judeo-Christian based practice, but I think it's also wise and useful. I am so glad our culture spares us something akin to the 'Roots' ritual, which has to be the worst possible way ever invented to transition into manhood. Father, no! Now that's traumatic. But as a mindless infant, considering all the other shocks and irritations you're introduced to, it's pretty mild. As an adult, at least now it can be an outpatient procedure, except I shudder to think of this for-profit system in which they'd surely use the cheapest topical anesthetic (yikes) compared to knocking you out for peace of mind. But again, we are talking about a beneficial practice. It doesn't limit function--it enhances it. It reduces several notable health risks. And it puts a genteel face on our junior warriors, so we shant totally frighten the ladies. It's a good thing!
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| You Know... | Aug 20th. at 1:26:16 pm EDT
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Friday Scott (Middleton, Wisconsin) - Email Me
It baffles me how anyone can look at welcoming a male child into the world by slicing up their penis could be any kind of psychologically-healthy.
Sure wouldn't do it to any kid of mine. If they wanted to when they were adults for whatever reason, fine. But how many men really would, just for hygiene convenience?
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| Frankly, | Aug 20th. at 11:11:25 am EDT
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bigcat (peoria, Illinois) - Email Me
I believe that any surgery should only be done in matters of dire medical emergencies- or as an elective- only by consenting individuals- one of whom should always be the patient.
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| Male Circumcision HAS Consequences | Aug 20th. at 10:01:48 am EDT
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Masery (Licking, Missouri) - Email Me
DOCTORS OPPOSING CIRCUMCISION (D.O.C.)
Physicians for Genital Integrity is an organization of doctors opposed to male circumcision. [Web LINK]
"
Chapter Three: Alleged Medical Benefits of Circumcision
An infant boy is born with a healthy foreskin. Consequently, there are no medical indications for circumcision in the newborn period.1,2
Infant circumcision is a painful, stressful, and traumatic procedure that leaves the infant exhausted and debilitated to the extent that some are unable to suckle at the breast.3 Medical authorities accordingly recommend that circumcision be performed only on healthy and stable infants. In the absence of any medical indication, and with the surgical operation being performed only on healthy and stable infants, the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association (AMA) , therefore, properly describes elective infant circumcision as a “non-therapeutic” procedure.4 (Infant circumcision was downgraded from routine to elective in 1997, in a joint statement issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.5)
Claims for any health or medical benefit are restricted to a possible prophylactic benefit in later life. Circumcision of the newborn, in the opinion of a few, may prevent phimosis, infection with sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infection in the first year of life, penile cancer, and cervical cancer in sexual partners. These claims date from the era of opinion-based medicine, when, in the absence of any scientific evidence, medical doctors relied on the opinions of one another rather than on evidence. (e.g.6) We shall examine each of these claims. "
Take a moment to read the medical studies against male genital mutilation.
Find More info -- HERE
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| Family Squabbles | Aug 20th. at 9:34:32 am EDT
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Sphinxring (Olympia, Washington) - Email Me
My daughter wanted to have my grandson circumcised. My ex-wife, after being on the warpath over female circumcision, was absolutely opposed and loud and hurtful about it.
I told my daughter my preference was no, but it was her decision.
She had it done. Very willful that one, just quiet about it usually. She and her mother din't talk for months. Not that that hasn't happened before.
Of course my grandson wasn't consulted.
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| Come On! | Aug 20th. at 8:30:30 am EDT
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Dynnys Derwydd (Lubbock, Texas) - Email Me
What's the brouhaha? Male circumcision and female circumcision are two very different animals. Female circumcision, or more appropriately mutilation, stifles natural female sexuality by incising the clitoris. Male circumcision has no adverse affects. And there is plenty of medical data stating the benefits of male circumcision; lower bladder infections, lower amounts of penile cancer (yes, there's such a thing) , etc ad nauseum. My own father was in his late fifties when his urologist suggested he get circumcised to lower his bladder infection rates, which he got every few months.
The barbs concerning religious practice are uncalled for. In other posts I've wondered what happened to the ideal of "Many Mansions", i.e. the belief that all paths are equally valid and true. Instead all I've seen is bigoted responses which in many cases is unwarranted. Some who post here on Wren's Nest and others on their personal blogs seem no better than the fundies and evangelicals who consistently attack Pagans/Heathens. The late Stewart and the still living Janet Farrar once wrote how many people seem to be attacking established religions more out of pure rebellion than for any real reasons. I'm beginning to agree. No wonder many of the older Pagans and Heathens I've known for years and have been supporters of the Witches' Voice have been distancing themselves lately.
Hatred does nothing constructive.
Gnothi Seauton
honi soit qui mal y pense,
Dynnys Derwydd
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| Health & Safety | Aug 20th. at 8:27:03 am EDT
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Eran Rathan (Old Town, Maine) - Email Me
Now, as far as it goes, I'd like to point out that the CDC recognizes circumcision drastically reduces the risk of HIV from vaginal intercourse. Just sayin'.
Check out the link below.
Eran Rathan
Find More info -- HERE
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| It's About Time! | Aug 20th. at 8:01:11 am EDT
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Minerva (Anderson, South Carolina) - Email Me
How else are we to let government know about what " we the people" want or is unfair, except by suing or protesting in masses. Making a decision for genital surgery for another being is repulsive and shows how much it is incessant in capricious religions. There are several groups out there that advocate against circumcision, but I for one, am glad that someone is taking action and letting the higher ups know that something should be done about it.
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