Search:

Obviously I can't answer the questions, but I wanted to say "get well soon". I'm sure swelling etc must be an issue so soon after the op.

There is the argument that one shouldn't impose standards from one's own culture on someone else's. However as vegans we're at least consistent since we daily reject a practice that's acceptable in...

Are there? Well, I'd condemn that too, although as well as consent (albeit from a minor) they presumably at least have anaesthesia, hygiene and stuff like that.

I agree female genital mutilation is deplorable - cruel and often dangerous - but I wouldn't blame the women particularly for perpetuating it. Mostly it happens in patriarchal societies, and ones...

Back-street circumcisions are a consideration, although not for "rights" reasons I don't think. People may have a right to remove bits of their own bodies for non-medical reasons, but I'm not sure...

It does seem a bit ironic that (AIUI) we have outlawed most tail-docking etc of dogs, but circumcision of male babies is still legal.

No doubt it's because of a feeling that we need to respect...

I've encountered both varieties in my (ahem) long career, though admittedly not in great numbers, and all were scrupulously clean I'm pleased to report :)

I see the WHO is now recommending it as an HIV prevention measure in some areas of the world.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6502855.stm

Let's hope they won't encourage people to do it to...

Sorry, I wasn't aware I was attacking anyone - I simply asked a question.

That's interesting about the origins of circumcision, angelamc, but even people who are religious are selective about which parts of the scriptures they carry out, aren't they? Not many Christian or...

Good point, RW. I suppose I assumed "except when medically necessary" was implicit in the "no" option...

Also, I think until fairly recently it used to be widely believed that babies couldn't feel pain - see this (rather grisly) article for example
...

It's quite possible to disapprove of a practice while treating people who believe in it with respect.

In return, though, I think the people who think it's OK should listen to the objections with...

True, although I have read other explanations of its origins - this site is quite interesting (in a gruesome kind of way):

http://www.historyofcircumcision.net/

Although it exists in various forms, FGM does seem to involve a more serious and dangerous operation than male circumcision. In addition it sometimes seems to be intended to remove the person's...

Circumcision of boys was a routine procedure until recently in some countries - it's only lately that people have started to call it into question, I think. So a couple of decades ago parents would...

I believe people in America often do it for "hygienic" reasons? Washing seems to be a good alternative in that case. It seems mean to do it to someone who's too young to consent, particularly without...