This is something that just should not be decided by a court.
Mom, Dad Take Feud Over Circumcision To Court
Groups opposed to circumcision are watching the case of an 8-year-old suburban Chicago boy whose divorced parents are fighting in court over whether he should have the procedure.
The child’s mother wants him circumcised to prevent recurring, painful inflammation she says he’s experienced during the past year. But the father says the boy is healthy and circumcision, which removes the foreskin of the penis, is an unnecessary medical procedure that could cause him long-term physical and psychological harm.
“The child is absolutely healthy,” the father said during a break in a court hearing on the matter Wednesday. “I do not want any doctor to butcher my son.”
The case reflects a national debate over the medical necessity of circumcision. In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics reversed its support for routine infant circumcision, citing questionable benefits and medical and anecdotal evidence that circumcised men have less penile sensitivity.
David Llewellyn, an Atlanta attorney who specializes in circumcision cases, is helping the father’s attorneys without fee. He called the surgery “a bizarre American custom.”
And then there are the 38 Good Reasons Not To Circumcise.
Why is the west not as upset about this as they are about female circumcision in the Middle East and Africa. Although most of the talk on that issue seems to be coming from feminists.
But the real point here is that this is an unneccesssary procedure. Teach the kid a little basic hygiene. It’s the only toy he will have all his life.
I was just thinking, there really aren’t enough issues to fight over in a divorce — if only there were something else… But some of those “38 Good Reasons” from the site link are a bit of a stretch. I think they might have been written by lawyers.
“28. Psychological trauma, resulting in eg. elective muteness”
See girls, that’s why men don’t ever seem to talk as much as you’d like. We’re still dealing with the psychological trauma of circumcision by choosing muteness.
“34. Loss of skin for plastic surgery to eyelids”
After having foreskin transplanted to the eyelids, wouldn’t simply closing our eyes be enough to get us arrested for indecent exposure? And would it make our eyebrows and eyelashes turn really curly?
Infant circumcision in the US did NOT start because of religious tradition, nor did it start because circumcision improves hygeine and reduces disease.
It started because of the hysteria over masturbation during the Victorian era – circumcision supposedly reduced those demonic urges.
#1
One word… Religion.
Jews view circumcision as a key part of becoming a Jew. Even though it’s done to babies that have not made a conscious decision whether or not to subscribe to the religion and the sacrifice it represets. In most Muslim countries, male circumcision is a passage rite as well as a religious sacrifice, usually done during the teen years.
There has been some significant controversy over circumcision in the Hasidic communities. It seems that the Hasidic process is to make the cut and have the Mohel suck the blood with his mouth… Herpes has been known to transfer from the Rabbi to the baby, and has resulted in infection and death.
Anyhoo, ever since we got running water, circumcision has ceased to be a health concern and has become strictly antiquated religious postuering. If fact, Refrorm Jews don’t even require a full circumcision, just a symbolic cut instead.
Usually, the more ignorant the society, the more probable religion has a big effect. MInd you, I believe that circumcision should be done in cases of extreme risk of health, or a valid choice made by an individual… like branding, tattoo’s, piercings or whatever. It should not be a decision made by parents for infants or children for aesthetic or religious reasons. If it’s religious, let the kid make his mind up for himself when he is old enough to do so… like drinking and driving, but not together!
Lol, women like ’em circumcised because a de-sensitized unit means the guy can last longer during sex.
Oh good grief…..what the hell else can we argue about…..this is clearly a power struggle between to adults who couldnt get their %^*@ together to raise the boy as a family….and as result of their stupidity….an 8 yr old boy is suffering through his parents arguing over what should happen to his genitals….hmmmmmmmm which would be more psychologically damaging…circumcision…or parents divorcing when your 8 yrs old and arguing about your genitals in the process….tough one I know
That’s the perfect perspective, hamgrl. An 8-year old child is being emotionally scarred by the bitter argument over his genitals, which is now a part of official court records 😉
Life is rich, but lawyers are richer.
(Comment #4)
65% less likely? Wow! That’s a lot! I’m giving up on condoms forever!
Hmm, at 8 just ask the kid. It might not be enough for a final word but it could sway the argument
We have a theory down here as to why the Jews, Arabs and Yanks are always fighting.
Maybe it’s because their dangly bits get mutilated when they are little and they are pissed off with the world fore-ever!
Food for thought, sports fans.
Agree with 7&8. For an 8 yo boy, it’s gotta be psychologically scarring to have your divorcing parents play tug of war with your dick in the news.
This kid will have to go through life with his friends constantly googling him and finding these stories……if he dosen’t off himself by 13 it will be a miracle.
They need to horsewhip both parents and take the kid away from both of them.
All the girls I know in the U.K. prefer men with foreskin…..they say it’s actually easier on them, less irritating friction. But if your cicumcised, you get more novelty sex……lol