Newborn circumcision, the surgical process of eliminating the foreskin from a male infant’s penis, has been a topic of controversy and debate for many years. Many opt for this operation due to cultural, religious, or health-related reasons.
Despite these motives, critics claim that the operation violates the infant’s fundamental freedom and that the likely advantages aren’t worth the potential risks. Our aim in this piece is to give an analysis of the controversies surrounding infants by examining different viewpoints.
What is Newborn Circumcision?
Newborn circumcision is the act of removing the male infant’s foreskin. It’s an age-old practice with cultural and religious origins that has been performed for centuries in many parts of the world.
- The procedure is performed by trained healthcare professionals. It entails the removal of the skin fold covering the head of the penis. It’s conducted within the first few weeks of a baby’s life.
- It’s performed for social, cultural, medical, and religious reasons. Some religions consider it a mandatory ritual and perform it as a sign of devotion or agreement with the Almighty.
Some parents allow circumcision for their babies due to cultural or social reasons, as it may be a popular practice among their relatives or locality.
- From a medical viewpoint, newborn circumcision is performed due to potential health advantages. Studies have indicated that circumcision decreases the chances of penile cancer, urinary tract infections, and STIs.
Nevertheless, the actual reduction in risk is somewhat low for those ailments. They can still be controlled or avoided by other methods, such as adhering to good hygiene habits and healthy sexual conduct.
- The procedure involves removing the foreskin using various techniques. The most common is the Plastibell technique, where a plastic ring is placed around the foreskin, cutting off blood flow and causing the tissue to gradually separate and fall off.
Other removal methods are the Gomco clamp and the Mogen clamp. The choice of technique depends on the healthcare provider’s expertise and preference.
Cultural and Religious Perspectives
From a cultural standpoint, newborn circumcision holds significant value in certain societies.
- It’s viewed as a right of passage, serving as an emblem of custom, culture, and inheritance. Among the Jews, it forms part of the covenant between the people and their Creator.
- Muslim and African communities consider circumcision as a social marker of adulthood and cultural acceptance. Proponents claim that it offers health advantages such as decreased probability of UTIs, penile cancer, and sexually transmitted infections.
Nonetheless, critics of newborn circumcision argue that it infringes on the child’s right to bodily autonomy. It’s their argument that the decision of one’s body should rest solely with the individual. Permanent alterations should only be allowed with the informed consent of adults.
Critics also assert that circumcision is not a compulsory surgery due to its innate risks and hazards, such as infections, hemorrhaging, and complications following the procedure.
Opponents contend that the health benefits often cited by supporters can be mitigated through other means, such as proper hygiene and safe sexual practices.
The circumcision debate is largely influenced by religious viewpoints. Only a few religious societies consider circumcision a part of their faith and a sacred duty. Despite the health advantages or individual choices, they assert it should be maintained as a religious obligation.
The decision to circumcise infants is deeply enshrined in religious principles and customs.
Health Considerations
Circumcision Decreases Risk of Certain Ailments
Supporters of newborn circumcision maintain that it decreases the probability of certain health issues. Numerous research findings prove this claim. Nonetheless, supporters of circumcision have been promoting its use as a preventive measure against these ailments.
Circumcision Fosters Genital Hygiene
Advocates contend that circumcision encourages cleanliness of the genital area since the foreskin’s lack makes maintaining hygiene simpler, thus potentially diminishing the frequency of infections.
Circumcision’s Health Gain Is Not Considerable
Conversely, individuals who are against newborn circumcision claim that the process isn’t worthwhile since it lacks considerable health benefits. Adopting sanitation and safe sexual practices could hinder sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, and penile cancer.
Circumcision is Unnecessary
This renders circumcision unnecessary. Critics highlight the potential risks, such as excessive bleeding, infections, and penile damage. Their argument centers on how performing a non-essential surgery on an infant without their consent poses ethical issues and infringes on their bodily freedom.
Ethical Concerns
Issue of Consent
One of the main ethical concerns surrounding newborn circumcision is the issue of consent. Infants cannot provide informed consent for the procedure, and it is performed on them without their understanding or agreement.
Critics argue that this violates the child’s right to bodily integrity and autonomy. They contend that decisions about an individual’s body should be made by the individual themselves when they are capable of understanding the implications and consequences.
Risks and Complications
Another ethical concern is the potential for complications and harm. Like any surgical procedure, circumcision carries risks, albeit relatively low ones. However, critics argue that even these small risks are unacceptable when there’s no immediate medical necessity.
They also point to cases where the procedure has resulted in infections, excessive bleeding, or even accidental injury to the penis. Critics argue that subjecting infants to these risks for non-essential reasons is unjustifiable.
Cultural and Religious Traditions
Cultural and religious justifications are often cited in defense of newborn circumcision. Some communities view circumcision as an important rite of passage or religious obligation.
However, critics argue that cultural or religious traditions should not supersede a child’s rights to bodily autonomy and protection from unnecessary harm. They contend that cultural and religious practices should evolve to respect individual rights and autonomy.
Collaboration of Parents and Healthcare Providers
The approach to newborn circumcision has changed within the medical community. Rather than suggesting routine circumcision, some medical organizations propose that parents and healthcare providers engage in collaborative decision-making.
The shared decision-making process stresses the need for informed consent and evaluation of potential risks and benefits, in addition to the child’s future autonomy.
Circumcision Prevalence Rates and Legal Implications
Circumcision Practice is Declining.
Different countries and cultures exhibit a wide range of rates of circumcision. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the circumcision rate among newborn males in the US dropped from 64.5% in 1979 to 58.3% in 2010.
The decrease in behavior can be pinpointed to several reasons, such as changing cultural norms in society and heightened awareness of possible risks and benefits. Hence, a growing emphasis on personal autonomy and bodily integrity.
Circumcision Practice Varies Among Countries
The legal implications surrounding newborn circumcision differ between countries. Medical professionals in certain countries consider it a common and sanctioned act, while other countries have stricter rules and regulations in place.
For instance, in Germany, a court decision from 2012 stated that circumcising minors who don’t consent is a form of physical injury unless for medical purposes. This decision sparked significant debates surrounding religious liberties, the rights of parents, and the child’s welfare.
The Issue of Informed Consent
The legal considerations surrounding newborn circumcision center around the concept of informed consent. Opposing views exist on the issue.
- One side argues that circumcision can’t be justified without informed consent and is, therefore, better left to be decided by the child when he gains understanding.
- The opposing side believes that, as legal guardians, parents have the authority to decide on medical procedures concerning their offspring. They assert that the positive health outcomes outweigh the risks.
It is worth noting that medical organizations have varying stances on newborn circumcision. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) stand on common ground in their views on circumcision.
Although both groups recognize potential health advantages, neither group proposes a standard procedure. They both stress parents’ involvement in considering their individual preferences and cultural and religious beliefs before deciding what’s best for their child’s welfare.
Alternative Approaches and Compromise
Delayed Circumcision
This approach is gaining popularity. This mainly entails delaying the intervention until the child is capable enough to make a well-informed decision. Advocates assert that this approach upholds the child’s independence.
The “Delayed circumcision” approach enables the child to make a conscious choice about a lifelong transformation of his body. However, critics argue that delaying circumcision results in future health hazards. Some benefits are more significant when the procedure is performed during infancy.
Educate Parents
Providing comprehensive education and resources to parents. The goal is to guarantee that parents receive precise details about the pros and cons of circumcision to allow them to arrive at an informed decision that corresponds to their personal situation.
Parents can measure the potential health gains against ethical issues as well as cultural or religious influences by providing them with personalized information.
The Compromise: Informed Consent
A potential compromise could involve implementing a system of informed consent. This requires parents to receive detailed information about circumcision, including its potential risks, benefits, and alternatives.
When dealing with children’s well-being and autonomy, it’s highly important to prioritize their needs while also acknowledging and respecting their parents’ explicit consent.
Despite Controversies, The Child’s Welfare is Foremost
The controversy surrounding newborn circumcision is a complex and multifaceted issue. It revolves around the issues of culture, religion, health, ethics, and legal rights.
While some argue that circumcision provides cultural, religious, and health benefits, opponents emphasize the importance of bodily autonomy and the potential risks
An effective resolution of the controversies requires open dialogue and respectful discourse among stakeholders. A critical aspect of achieving this is striking a balance between the child’s welfare, cultural and religious practices, and individual rights.
We at Omega Pediatrics take a stand to wholly support infant circumcision. We uphold the cultural and religious diversities of our clients as well as individual preferences. After all, we take pride in our expertise in delivering you the best healthcare for your little ones.
