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Circumcision

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Submitted By essiendungu
Words 1382
Pages 6
Topic: Is Infant Circumcision Really Necessary?
Circumcision, (in Latin circumcidere, means "to cut around"), “is the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis” ("Circumcision," 2013). This is a practice that may be performed to an infant baby boy after birth or to a boy who is just approaching adolescence depending on the cultures or beliefs of the parents. There are many arguments concerning the best time for boys to undergo this procedure, and whether or not they should undergo this procedure. And like many surgical procedures, there are risks and benefits that may result from going through with this surgery. I believe in doing what is important and what is best for the child, meaning; catering to the boy’s interest is what I advocate.
“There is compelling evidence that male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%” ("Male circumcision for," 2012). World Health Organization also describes the efficacy of circumcision as proven beyond reasonable doubt, but states that provision of circumcision should be consistent with medical ethics and human rights principles. ("Male circumcision for," 2012). WHO and UNAIDS stated that “Informed consent, confidentiality and absence of coercion should be assured. . . . Where male circumcision is provided for minors (young boys and adolescents), there should be involvement of the child in the decision-making, and the child should be given the opportunity to provide assent or consent, according to his evolving capacity. . . .” (Tasca, 2012). Therefore, it would be best to wait until the boy is of age and can make an informed consent because he will be able to understand the importance of circumcision and the risks are much less.
Dr. John Harvey Kellogg recommended circumcision of boys caught masturbating; he said that it is “a remedy which is almost always successful

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