Male infant circumcision (MIC) is the most common surgical procedure in the world. In 2011, it was estimated that one-third of the world’s men were circumcised, according to the World Health Organization. A study by Dan Bollinger in the Journal of Boyhood Studies states that every year in the United States, over one million newborn infant males are circumcised (76). The infant has no choice in the outcome of his body. The only justification for the removal of the foreskin should be a medical emergency. MIC procedures conducted on neonates are not consensual and violate his bodily rights. However, many studies claim that a circumcision is healthy and beneficial. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published the latest “Circumcision Policy
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The procedure also creates undue stress upon the newborn. The Annals of Family Medicine published a study by Caryn Perera et al., of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to assess the safety and efficacy of MIC. One significant aspect of the study was the perception of pain experienced by the infant. One group of infants received a local analgesia and the other received a placebo (Perera et al. 67). Both groups showed no significant difference during pre-circumcision; however, during and post-circumcision the placebo group had an increased “percentage of cry” and less alertness (Perera et al. 67). Additionally, both groups experienced distress as a result of being strapped down with their arms and legs extended. This position is unnatural for a newborn and creates a sense of insecurity (Perera et al. 70). Furthermore, both groups experienced a reduction in mother-infant interaction. Infant behavior scores declined in both groups, yet the placebo group encountered a greater reduction (Perera et al. 67). Although the pain and lower alertness affect the infant, these conditions are not physically damaging, nor do they threaten the child’s life. Nonetheless, there is the potential for physical complications associated with
The procedure also creates undue stress upon the newborn. The Annals of Family Medicine published a study by Caryn Perera et al., of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons to assess the safety and efficacy of MIC. One significant aspect of the study was the perception of pain experienced by the infant. One group of infants received a local analgesia and the other received a placebo (Perera et al. 67). Both groups showed no significant difference during pre-circumcision; however, during and post-circumcision the placebo group had an increased “percentage of cry” and less alertness (Perera et al. 67). Additionally, both groups experienced distress as a result of being strapped down with their arms and legs extended. This position is unnatural for a newborn and creates a sense of insecurity (Perera et al. 70). Furthermore, both groups experienced a reduction in mother-infant interaction. Infant behavior scores declined in both groups, yet the placebo group encountered a greater reduction (Perera et al. 67). Although the pain and lower alertness affect the infant, these conditions are not physically damaging, nor do they threaten the child’s life. Nonetheless, there is the potential for physical complications associated with