A friend recently posted a link on her Facebook page to an organization called Intact America. The organization promotes the banning of circumcision in America. While I am still checking out the website, myself, and can't vouch for the authenticity of the organization... I do think that circumcision - while difficult - is an important decision for parents to weigh before the birth of a child. It was a conversation that my husband - whoIloveverymuch - and I took the time to have.
I realize that the decision to not circumcise or to circumcise may not be an easy one. There are religious, cultural, and personal reasons behind the decision. We made the decision that Sweet Pea would not be circumcised for a number of reasons. My guess is that some of the reasons at the top of my list were not the same reasons at the top of my husband's list... But in the end, we were on the same page.
My main reasons had to do with the circumcision being a surgical procedure that occurs without anesthesia. This painful procedure seems more cosmetic than medically necessary. I could not bear to cause my child undue pain for a cosmetic procedure. I certainly couldn't be there to watch something like this occur and did not want him to be in pain for days afterward.
There are some that will say circumcision helps with cleanliness and reduces the possibility of infection. I disagree and feel that boys can be taught to keep their bits clean -- without the need for circumcision.
Do I worry that he might be teased by his peers? Sure - but I have heard that more and more parents are making the decision to not circumcise. And I don't believe that peer pressure - should be my main reasons for decisions regarding my child. I'm hoping that he stands out in a crowd of his peers in a number of ways. I guess we can just add this one to our (mental) list.
Whatever your thoughts on this issue -- I believe that the Intact America Website provides some useful information that is thought provoking and sure to be a good jumping off point for conversations... I'll be curious to hear your thoughts, insights, and opinions on the issue and the information that Intact America provides.
