The Cut

Todays topic is highly controversial and causes many arguments.  With this being my blog, I have the right to post my opinions freely!  For those with boys, circumcision is a choice that has to be made.  Before we even found out if Bean was a boy B and I discussed options.  Some of my readers may feel that this is an inappropriate topic and is no ones business.  However I disagree. Much like homebirth, the options regarding circumcision are not discussed.  As a parent it is my job to put my son first, to make well informed decisions about his well being.  With that being said lets begin.

The first question, what is circumcision?

circumcisingpresent participle of cir·cum·cise (Verb)

Verb:

Cut off the foreskin of (esp. a baby) esp. as a religious rite. Cut off the clitoris, and sometimes the labia, of (a girl or young woman) as a traditional practice among some peoples.

Notice that not only does it apply to sons, it also applies to daughters.  Much to america's dismay female circumcision is still routinely preformed in India and other eastern countries.  Preforming this procedure on a female is down right ridiculous and seen as grounds for body activists to go crazy.  Yet for sons it is common place.  How is that fair, equal or less painful because the "majority" have it done?

The second question, Why is circumcision preformed?

Because it's not usually medically needed, circumcision is done on newborns mainly for cultural reasons. For example, parents may make the decision about circumcision based on religious and family traditions, personal preferences, or the social norms of their communities.


Based solely on the reason above, circumcision is not necessary for Bean since neither B nor I have any religious background.  Mainly Judaism, where circumcision is still done but not required.  With no religious reason pertaining to our situation, why would I subject my son to unnecessary torture?


The third question, Is this a painful procedure?


Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves forcefully separating the foreskin from the glans and then cutting it off. It is typically accomplished with a special clamp device . Over a dozen studies confirm the extreme pain of circumcision. It has been described among the most painful [procedures] performed in neonatal medicine.  In one study, researchers concluded that the pain was severe and persistent.  Increases in heart rate of 55 beats per minute have been recorded, about a 50 percent increase over the baseline. After circumcision, the level of blood cortisol increased by a factor of three to four times the level prior to circumcision. Investigators reported, This level of pain would not be tolerated by older patients.


I would conclude that it is indeed painful.  It is not just a snip of the skin, it is forcefully removing skin by separating layers of glands and nerves.  To anyone considering this I beg you to watch a video on circumcision. 


Before hearing the news that Bean was a boy, I thought all boys had this done.  In fact only around 54% of males are circumcised now compared to 91% in the 1970's.  WOrld wide, 80% of males are uncircumcised.  After hours of research, too many medical videos and documentaries, we have chosen to keep Bean intact.  It is his right to choose should he want this awful procedure done in the future.  There is no religious or medical reason that proves this is necessary.  Until there is actual proof to justify this inhumane torture, my boys will be uncut!