Swedish doctors: circumcision is “assault”

Like most American men my age, I was circumcised while I was an infant. At Reddit.com I happened upon an article on circumcision, and I noticed that the controversy is still alive and well. According to UPI, most Swedish doctors strongly disapprove of male circumcision: Two out of three doctors surveyed in Sweden said they refuse to circumcise boys because they consider it assault without the child's consent, sources said. Most American boys still receive non-therapeutic circumcisions (not performed for ritualistic or religious purposes). Of physicians performing circumcision, 45% use anesthesia. What is the view of the American Medical Association? The AMA supports the general principles of the 1999 Circumcision Policy Statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which reads as follows: Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In circumstances in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. If a decision for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided.

Continue ReadingSwedish doctors: circumcision is “assault”