Only in the U.S.A., 58% are being circumcised. This procedure is considered medically “questionable, unproven and irrelevant” by an independent international panel
Incidence of circumcision in the world. Africa, Asia, the U.S. and Australia. WHO data
A hotly debated issue is concerning the ethics of circumcision of boys when they are unable to give their informed consent for the procedure. It is clear that the debate on this issue is far from over. Even when circumcision hypothetical benefits are questioned by specialists.
Are circumcision benefits supported by science?
The controversy stems from the circumcision hypothetical benefits, including protection from contracting the HIV virus, genital herpes, genital warts, penile cancer and even some infections of the genital tract, all claims which are questionable, unproven and irrelevant in the context of public health in Western countries as said: “an independent international panel—composed of 38 leading pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, urologists, medical ethicists and heads of hosp
ital boards and children’s health societies” (Journal Medical Ethics 39; 418-420).
Circumcision skepticism even in religious communities
The article also affirms that “the overall balance of opinion may be shifting towards one of circumcision skepticism, even within religious communities…what is needed now is productive and respectful dialogue moving forward…” Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend routine circumcision (read HERE).
Our bioethics assessment
Based on these considerations, it does not seem ethically correct to subject boys to an irreversible surgical procedure before they can decide for themselves.
U.S. circumcision rate obtained from NCHS
You are studying the United States, but you ignore Israel and the Mohammedan countries where infant male circumcision is widespread.
Dr Frank Yeruham Leavitt,
Ben Gurion University,
Israel
We pretend to focus circumcision issue from a biomedical point of view. This procedure is considered “questionable, unproven and irrelevant” by an independent international panel published by B.M.J. we support.