How Do I Stop Circumcision?
It’s been nearly 2 years since I started talking about circumcision and foreskin restoration.
The response has been very positive. Most people who read my blog agree that the foreskin is a great thing, and also understand that sexual pleasure is greatly reduced for circumcised men. But then again, most of the people who read my blog are open-minded and intelligent individuals. So of course they see the big picture. 
But the broader spectrum is very depressing. Regardless of what support I’ve received personally, the overwhelming majority of newborn boys are still circumcised in the U.S. There are ongoing myths and phobias about the foreskin. People don’t understand how important it is, they don’t understand how much sensitivity is lost when it is removed, and they don’t realize just how barbaric the act of circumcision really is.
We’re cutting off part of the penis, people!
It’s the most insane, twisted procedure I’ve ever heard of. You would only cut off a part of your body if it was horribly infected and your life depended on it. So how in the world did it ever become acceptable to start mutilating happy, healthy boys?
My brain hurts when I really start analyzing the craziness of it all.
So how do I make a difference?
I’ve been reading a lot about how to successfully enforce change. If I just tried to tackle the great big problem of circumcision today, I would be exhausted. Change cannot happen without smaller steps and smaller plans that lead to a larger, overall goal. I may never stop circumcision in the world, but with a progressive plan, I can possibly start making a difference.
One idea I came up with was talking to local OB/GYN clinics and learning about the information new parents receive. Is there a brochure specifically tailored for baby boys? If so, is there any information about circumcision? Also, what is the discussion process for baby boys? Do doctors talk with parents about the facts on circumcision, or do they just pressure them to do it?
This is stuff I honestly have no idea about. But if I learned about the process for parents, I could possibly start getting some allies on my side. Would a doctor be willing to encourage the parents to not circumcise their baby? Would they be willing to ask the parents to let their son wait until he’s older so he can decide for himself?
Pulling in some team power
There are a lot of experts online who can help with the facts about circumcision. Many of them have informational websites about foreskin restoration, and/or sell products that assist in the restoration process. I think that if I could start working with them and get them to share some of the staggering facts and feedback they probably have, I could utilize that power and find ways to get their help too.
It’s a start. I’ll report more later.
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It’s not true that the majority of infant boys are being circumcised in the US. The rate is down to 32.5%. We are making a difference!
This issue really exposes a person’s learned cultural biases. It’s always fun when one comes across someone rightly denouncing Mulsim clitorectomies to ask if/why they support this equally barbaric procedure that we’re supposed to find perfectly normal.
Paleo_huntress – I haven’t found any studies that suggest it’s down to 32.5% in the U.S. That would be wonderful if it were, but I haven’t seen anything that low. I have seen numbers that show a decline. Can you point me to an article? I’m excited by your enthusiasm and hope you’ll follow along as I pursue this!
Jon – So true! Most of the opposers that I’ve come across cite religious or cultural reasoning, but nobody seems to have a strong scientific or medical argument for it.
Nathan….I had to receive a circumcision at age 38…and ouch, it took me two months to recover. Strange as it sounds, you do form a bound with it and I do miss it. You truly become less sensitive. Doctors will tell you otherwise, but I would venture to say that most are themselves circumcised. I, like you, feel it is cruel and should be outlawed….Joe
YES! I am so happy to see all of the supportive comments here! Especially from men who had to be circumcised as adults! Thank you for doing your good work Nathan. Just think, you have probably saved lots of babies already! hoooray!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/17/health/research/17circ.html
Here is an article from the NY Times stating the 32% circ rate. Please keep up the good work, Nathan! Babies everywhere thank you!