MEDICAL FRAUD and the criminal assault of boys
Circumcision Is Fascism?
Yes, another "circumcision" letter. This is in response to the responders whose letters you printed Dec.8. 1988. I am shocked and amazed by what passes for intelligence in our most compassionate profession. In my view, these opinions are at best idiotic, at worst fascist.
What these folks are supporting is the expenditure of hundreds of millions of dollars to torture newborn babies (of their own sex) because, as a society, we are too morally bankrupt, disorganized, and/or lazy to teach little boys and their parents how to wash a penis, or to conduct thorough sex education. We are told that all little boys should have a mutilating and excruciating experience in their first days of life, to prevent a few men (who have the understanding to deal with the operation and the guarantee of receiving anesthesia) from having cancer or VD, which can be prevented in cheap and painless ways.
One can only guess at the sort of fundamental emotional outlook which can calmly rationalize this cold-blooded, wholesale cruelty. And isn't it amazing how often people turn to the Old Testament to support violence and intolerance-certainly not the best use of the highest wisdom of the people.
I applaud the resolution of ACOG (the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) to oppose this recurrent atrocity. I encourage all of us to look to the society we continue to create; we show little or no respect or understanding for children nor for the lessons they begin to learn, so early in life, about the treatment they will receive at the hands of those who love them. Those who consider this "much ado about nothing" have stepped over the boundary separating responsible intellect from hubris prone ego, leaving humility and compassion behind. How much woe comes from that little step!
David S. Bate M.D.
Skyland, N.C.
Letter To The Editor, Medical Tribune
23 February 1989, 30:6
A NURSE'S VIEW ON CIRCUMCISION
The responses about circumcision really struck me. When my first was born I still wasn't sure about it and luckily we had a girl. Since then I've become very sure of which way to go. Definitely no circumcision for my kids!
I'm an R.N. who has worked for one and a half years in a newborn nursery in a hospital. I hate a lot of the practices that occur in hospital nurseries (even that there need be a nursery is contrary to my feelings) but I've found my place helping newborns and parents in a generally unfeeling place. I can give a newborn Silver Nitrate drops in his eyes and the routine Vitamin K injection, even though I feel it unnecessary. In fact, since that baby is going to have these things done anyway, I'd rather it be me to do it. I can do it gently and as untraumatically as possible. Often with my gentle touch, soothing voice and explanations, the baby won't even cry.
But circumcision is a different story. When I have to set up a baby for a circumcision , I feel like crying and often do. I feel like I'm betraying that being behind those eyes, as I calmly and easily strap him on the "circ board". I talk to him about what will be happening and apologize. A baby will cooperate even with being restrained! But there's no excuse for the torture that happens after that. After witnessing many circumcisions, I can say: Yes, it hurts. It's pure and simple torture. As often as I can I leave the room for the slaughter. I just can't bear to watch another. Sure some babies cry more than others but they all cry. But more than the cry, it's the look in those trusting eyes as it all begins (before they are squeezed closed in terror).
I've talked to parents many times about their babies circumcision before it's been done. I see fathers just sort of shrug like...it's one of those things boys have to go through. And mothers who wince at the thought and hope not to hear his screams but still sign the papers of permission. Parents ask," does it hurt him?" and I tell them yes. Who else would they do surgery on without anesthetic? But they always have a good (?) reason to go ahead..."He would be teased." "He wouldn't match his dad (or brothers)." "It's too much work if he's not circumcised." "It's not healthy." "We've always done it in our family." "I'd hate for him to have problems later." It's so much worse if it would have to be done later."
Maybe some facts about the care of the uncircumcised penises would be helpful! Let's hear response from the parents of boys and men who are uncircumcised.
The only advice I have is from Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care. He very conservatively says, "The third method of care is to leave the foreskin alone. This is the simplest way and the one used throughout a great part of the world."
Thanks for listening.
Terry Schultz
Somerset, Kentucky
Reprinted from "Mothering Magazine" Volume XII Summer 1979. Mothering P.O. Box 2046 Albuquerque, NM 87103 . An excellent magazine on child care.