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Circumcision

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* Cross culturally, where, when and how is circumcision performed on males and females. Include information on its legality and actual practice, and the medical implications of this for women and men. * How should the United States respond when female circumcision is practiced in our country? * How should the United States respond to female circumcision that is practiced in other countries?( review information on values such as "cultural relativisim page 7 of your text, do you think it does or does not apply) * What are your views on other practices regarding changing the appearance of the genitalia, such as the Brazilian wax or labiaplasty? Should we leave the genitalia alone or is there something to be said for "enhancing" the appearance? Any research on this? * What are the medical, physical, or mental consequences for any of the procedures
Male circumcision and female circumcision have some similarities. For the males, they are born with a fold of skin located over the head of the penis. This is called the glans or foreskin. In the circumcision this is surgically removed and is usually performed 48 hours after birth but can be done 2-3 weeks after birth as well. This procedure does not necessarily have any medical benefits. It can possibly prevent penile cancer and infections and possibly reduce the spread of infectious diseases. Circumcision for males is usually done as an American tradition and is thought to be easier to keep clean. The survey we took showed results that cleanliness and appearance for hair on the genitals is important. I would imagine that girls would prefer a circumcised penis over one that isn’t. Thoughts?
The female circumcision is where the clitoris and sometimes the labia are surgically removed or folded over. According to the United Nations over 130 million women have had some type of this procedure done, and is often related to the Islamic religion. Immigration has made it more common in Europe and North America. For the Islam’s it is a law that circumcision be done on females. It is done to keep their sexual drives to a minimum and is done to cleanse the area. If this procedure is not done in the Islamic practice that woman is not likely to get married. I feel that since America has it outlawed immigrants should not be coming over and trying to make changes. If they have a problem they should have it done in their country where it is culturally accepted. With this being said, I think people should have their choice and to me it is not a big deal what others choose. Personally I do not know much about the difference in what a circumcision does for females, so I am not sure if it would matter to me on the appearance. I would not like the fact that it would reduce sexual drive.

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