Circumcision is neither guaranteed or necessary for preventing STDs. Behavior is ALWAYS going to be much more important than circumcision status in determining the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Babies are not sexually active, therefore circumcision of babies for possible prevention of STDs is neither immediately necessary, nor is it ethical. When a male is old enough to decide for himself whether any potentially risk-reducing effects of circumcision seem reasonable or desirable to him, in comparison to his OWN evaluation of the value of having an intact penis, he can make the choice himself.
This video is a travesty of "informed consent." The doctor does not mention the risks or harms of circumcision; the protective or sexual functions of the foreskin; and the ethical problems with performing medically unnecessary amputative surgery on a nonconsenting patient. Parents who really want to be informed will have to look elsewhere for the full truth about this subject. Shame on this doctor for such a misleading video, and for such ignorant disregard for the human rights of baby boys.
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Circumcision is neither guaranteed or necessary for preventing STDs. Behavior is ALWAYS going to be much more important than circumcision status in determining the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Babies are not sexually active, therefore circumcision of babies for possible prevention of STDs is neither immediately necessary, nor is it ethical. When a male is old enough to decide for himself whether any potentially risk-reducing effects of circumcision seem reasonable or desirable to him, in comparison to his OWN evaluation of the value of having an intact penis, he can make the choice himself.
This video is a travesty of "informed consent." The doctor does not mention the risks or harms of circumcision; the protective or sexual functions of the foreskin; and the ethical problems with performing medically unnecessary amputative surgery on a nonconsenting patient. Parents who really want to be informed will have to look elsewhere for the full truth about this subject. Shame on this doctor for such a misleading video, and for such ignorant disregard for the human rights of baby boys.
November 17, 2012 - 9:46pmThis Comment
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