To cut or not? Circumcision controversy flares

Wiswell contends that the Internet is flooded with inaccurate information about circumcision that he says is aimed at scaring parents instead of presenting health information. He’s calling for more obstetricians, birthing instructors and pediatricians to bring the subject up for discussion and supply parents with both sides of the argument.

“I know that circumcision is controversial and I think the decision should be up to the parents,” says Wiswell. “But I’d like to see them make reasonable choices based on the best science can offer as well as their personal beliefs.”

But Reiss sees the issue as more one-sided: “We’re harming our little boys when we do surgery on their genitals for no reason.” He notes that society is widely appalled at female circumcision but seems to accept blindly that male circumcision is normal.

'Intactivists' unite
Reiss prefers to call males who have not been circumcised “intact.” And he and other “intactivists” don’t believe parents have a right to make the decision to circumcise.

“If it was something that was clearly beneficial such as immunizations, I’d agree that parents have the right to make the decision,” says Reiss, “but God made man with a foreskin for a reason.”

Though this hasn't been scientifically confirmed, Reiss believes that circumcision reduces adult touch sensitivity and sexual pleasure. He says he's heard from plenty of adult men who are regretful and often angry that their parents had them circumcised.  

With so much science and emotion on the playing field, whether to circumcise will continue to be a tough call for parents. Berkelhamer says parents should not expect — or even want — their doctors to make the decision for them.

“More and more in health care in general the role of the doctor is to present the information and then allow the patient or, in this case, the patient’s parents, to make the decision,” he says. “I think that’s appropriate.”

Berkelhamer says there are many factors that come into play when parents make their decision. Tradition, religion and philosophical beliefs can weigh heavier than any medical gains.

Barish, a seasoned parent, believes that whatever couples decide for their newborn sons is probably OK.

"Whether a boy is circumcised or not doesn’t matter so much," she says. "He can be healthy, happy and love his penis either way.”

Victoria Clayton is a freelance writer based in California and co-author of "Fearless Pregnancy: Wisdom and Reassurance from a Doctor, a Midwife and a Mom," published by Fair Winds Press.

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