Circumcision

Larry Law

​Circumcision in the United States is an example of a medical intervention that has been imposed on the American public without adequate discussion. One could argue that it is strictly for monetary gain since it is the most unnecessary surgery regularly performed. Let me give a little background on why this procedure became the norm. 

Religious Reasons

Circumcision has been a Jewish and Muslim ceremonial rite of passage for millennia. Abraham in the Old Testament was commanded by God to enter into a covenant (the Abrahamic Covenant) and as a sign or token of the covenant he was to circumcise all male infants when eight days old (Gen 17:12). In the figure, red represents countries where more than 80% are circumcised; orange represents countries where 20-80% are circumcised; yellow represents countries where less than 20% are circumcised.

Scripture References Ending Circumcision

Circumcision is the procedure that cuts off the foreskin--the skin covering the head of the penis. In the New Testament, the Christian Church discussed circumcision multiple times. It was difficult for many Jewish converts to give up the rituals and ceremonies contained in the law of Moses. The apostle Paul was very persuasive in making it clear that the law was fulfilled in Christ and was no longer applicable to members of the church (Rom 2:25-29, Rom 3:1, Gal 5:6). So, the scriptures make it clear that Christians are under no religious obligation to circumcise their sons. 
​
Statistics

Around the world, about one-third of male children are circumcised. Two-thirds of all males are not circumcised. Aside from those who feel their religious beliefs require it, why are male children routinely circumcised in the United States and have been for over a century? In the United States rates of circumcision barely decreased from 1979 to 2010 (64% to 58%). Today, no major medical organization recommends universal circumcision of all males. However, the procedure continues with little or no education provided to the parents concerning the risks associated with this unnecessary surgery. 

Medical Justification Debunked

In the late 1800s and throughout most of the 1900s, circumcision was routinely recommended as a way of curing masturbation and bedwetting, as a way to ensure better cleanliness, and as a way to reduce risk of various diseases. While all of these reasons have been debunked, circumcision still manifests a strong cultural tendency in America. Fathers want their sons to look like them and this common surgical procedure is financially rewarding to the medical community ($500 for an infant and $3,000 for an adult).

Doctors Opposing Circumcision

​Aside from the United States, no other country in the world routinely circumcises its baby boys for non-religious reasons. Efforts are growing to overcome this practice. Doctors Opposing Circumcision is one such organization. Their mission is to end the unnecessary cutting of infant genitals. They believe the bodies of male children were created and designed perfectly. They also feel it is a travesty to perform surgery like this when the child doesn't have a say in the matter. They ask the question: What is the harm in letting the child decide when he is old enough and capable of making a decision for himself? This is food for thought. Parents need to have the option for education on the matter so they can decide what they feel is best for their infant boys without feeling the pressure of conformity.