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circumcision?
What you need to know before you decide
by Ginny Nieuwsma, Photo by Paul Edmonson/TSI
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*Names of parents and children have been changed to protect their privacy
When Bob and Jeanette Sullivan* welcomed their first son, Trevor, into the world 13 years ago, they had already decided not to have him circumcised.
"I read about the procedure before he was born," remembers Jeanette. "I talked with other Christians who felt there was a scriptural reason for circumcision, but I couldnt see it. I noticed that the New Testament spoke only of circumcision of the heart. Then I asked, Is there a physical reason? and after researching it, felt that no, there wasnt.
"God created boys this way, and its all meant to work fine without the procedure. It seemed like there was no point to cause that pain." All five Sullivan boys are uncircumcised, and Jeanette has no regrets. "I just wasnt convinced by any of the arguments," she says. "And it seemed so permanent. I guess I figured they could do it later if they want or need to. But once its done, its irreversible."
At first, Heidi Moore had a similar opinion. "When Michael was born, most of what Id heard supported the idea that circumcision was unnecessary and painful. Even my birthing coach was vocal in her opposition to it. At the time I didnt have much information, so I was persuaded by her.
"But," says Heidi, "when he was 3 years old, Michaels penis became red and infected and I just couldnt keep it clean." Thats when Heidis husband, Sam, spoke with his own father and learned that his dad had not been circumcised as an infant and had experienced problems much like Michaels. Sams dad had to undergo the surgery as an adult. Heidi says, "We had Michael circumcised when he was 5at this point using total anesthesia. Needless to say, it wasnt a question when our second son same along!"
A generation ago, most people of Judeo-Christian heritage didnt think twice about having their sons circumcised at birth. But that was then. Today, many parents agonize over whether to allow the procedure. The circumcision rate in the United States has dropped to less than 60 percent and, if present trends continue, soon will be closer to 50 percent.
In truth, there is no right or wrong decision about circumcision. Parents may have strong feelings one way or the other that will guide their choice. But for those who dont, its essential to get accurate information from trustworthy sources, such as your doctor, your pastor and other parents (see sidebar). Then, use that information to make the decision you feel is right for your child.
just the facts
Getting accurate information isnt easy. Circumcision is often a hotly contested issue, making unbiased facts hard to come by. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics has changed its position several times over the years. In March 1999, after analyzing almost 40 years of medical research, the AAP released this rather ambiguous statement: "Circumcision is not essential to a childs well-being at birth, even though it does have some potential medical benefits." These benefits, they concluded, "are not compelling enough to warrant the AAP to recommend routine newborn circumcision. Instead, we encourage parents to discuss the benefits and risks of circumcision with their pediatrician, and then make an informed decision about what is in the best interest of their child."
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