Pragmatic hygienic practice or genital mutilation? Why is male circumcision causing such worldwide controversy?
Evidence suggests, American doctors have concluded, it is the kindest cut. Circumcision can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in infants, cut the risk of penile cancer and lower the risk of HIV and the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical and other cancers. So why is the removal of a tiny flap of skin at birth, both an ancient religious ritual and an apparently pragmatic hygienic practice, causing controversy around the world?
While the American Academy of Paediatrics (App) has concluded that the health benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks and the procedure is a matter of parental choice, outraged opponents call it male genital mutilation, or child abuse. Many parts of Europe concur. A court in Cologne this summer ruled that circumcision contravened the rights of a child to decide later in life on his religious beliefs.
Evidence suggests, American doctors have concluded, it is the kindest cut. Circumcision can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in infants, cut the risk of penile cancer and lower the risk of HIV and the human papillomavirus, which causes cervical and other cancers. So why is the removal of a tiny flap of skin at birth, both an ancient religious ritual and an apparently pragmatic hygienic practice, causing controversy around the world?
While the American Academy of Paediatrics (App) has concluded that the health benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks and the procedure is a matter of parental choice, outraged opponents call it male genital mutilation, or child abuse. Many parts of Europe concur. A court in Cologne this summer ruled that circumcision contravened the rights of a child to decide later in life on his religious beliefs.
- 8/28/2012
- by Patrick Barkham
- The Guardian - Film News
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