Circumcision is a surgical operation that removes the foreskin of the penis. Although it’s widely practised across cultures and religions, it’s controversial at the medical, ethical and social levels. In this article, I would like to discuss the history, reasons, medical background and controversy around circumcision.
Historical Background
Circumcision was an ancient practice that has been dated to more than 4,000 years ago. It features prominently in the scriptures, such as the Bible and the Quran, showing that it is important in both Judaism and Islam. To Jews, circumcision or Brit Milah is a covenantal ritual with God, performed on the eighth day after a male baby’s birth. Circumcision is not specifically mentioned in the Quran, but is commonly practiced as a Sunnah (a behavior that the Prophet Muhammad approved of).
Apart from religious motives, initiation into manhood was performed for cultural purposes in many places, including Africa and the Pacific Islands. As societies changed, so did beliefs in circumcision, leading to divergent opinions about medical necessity and morality.
Reasons for Circumcision
Circumcision can be used for many reasons:
1. Cultural and Religious Significance
Historical Context
Circumcision is a longstanding practice, and there is good evidence to suggest that the custom originated with ancient peoples. The earliest examples of circumcision occur in Egypt, where they were practiced for initiation ceremonies and to mark social standing. The tradition is widespread in the modern world, and is often associated with religious rites.
Jewish Tradition
Most prominently, circumcision is celebrated in Judaism, as “Brit Milah”. This ritual, performed on the eighth day of a male baby’s life, embodies the covenant God and the Jews made with Abraham. It is spiritual in nature, a work about community, identity and permanence.
Islamic Beliefs
Circumcision in Islam is considered a Sunnah (ie, recommended) act in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. Though it’s not commanded by the Quran, most Muslim communities view circumcision as a significant milestone for boys, undertaken at a young age. The ritual is linked to purity and religious observance.
Cultural Practices
Beyond religious affiliations, circumcision is a norm across cultures. Circumcision, as part of manhood rituals in some African and Pacific Island states, is performed to introduce the boy into adulthood. In these societies, the process is celebrated, masculinity teaches and community bonding are integral to the practice.
2. Medical Reasons
Health Benefits
Physicians have long studied the health advantages of circumcision. Despite the continuing controversy surrounding circumcision, a number of researchers have proposed certain medical justifications for the operation.
Reduced Risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Circumcised babies and young boys are less prone to urinary tract infections. Removing the foreskin could help prevent bacteria from infecting the urinary system and therefore reduce the chance of infection. UTIs are significantly more likely to occur in uncircumcised males, especially in the first year of life.
Reduced Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Several researchers have demonstrated that circumcision reduces the risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as HIV. In countries with high rates of HIV, circumcision was promoted as a means of infection prevention. Removal of the foreskin reduces injury and inflammation during sex, making you less susceptible to infection.
Prevention of Phimosis and Paraphimosis
Phimosis, which stops the frontskin from pulling back on the glans penis, occurs in uncircumcised males. This can sometimes cause discomfort and problems. Circumcision solves this problem, because it cuts off the foreskin. Paraphimosis, a disorder in which the pulled front skin cannot be put back where it belongs, also occurs more often in uncircumcised men. Circumcision avoids both states.
Personal Hygiene
Some people might find circumcision easier for personal hygiene reasons. When the foreskin is removed, it may be easier to keep the genitals clean and prevent smegma, which is the accumulation of dead skin cells, oils and other particles. This is particularly true for those who might be unable to maintain hygiene due to reasons such as disability or lack of access to facilities.
3. Ethical and Social Considerations
Autonomy and Consent
One of the most important ethical arguments around circumcision involves autonomy and consent of the body. Opponents maintain that circumcision of infants and children robs them of the ability to decide about their own bodies. In opposition, however, advocates argue that parents are entitled to make responsible decisions about their children on the basis of culture, religion or medicine.
Social Norms and Expectations
Most societies regard circumcision as a social norm. Families can be socially pressured to do so, and they tend to repeat the practice generations later. Where this is the case, circumcision may not be a choice made in private, but rather through the prism of social norms and customs.
Psychological Impact
The psychological consequences of circumcision vary from one person to another. Men might feel a strong sense of cultural or religious belonging as a result of the ritual, while others may be traumatised or beleive that the practice was done too late in life. These emotional and psychological dimensions of circumcision need to be taken into account because they affect the way we understand ourselves and other people.
The Ongoing Debate
Though it has been practiced for many centuries and for various reasons, circumcision remains controversial. The conflict centres mostly on moral, medical and autonomy issues.
1. Ethical Concerns
According to critics, circumcision, especially if applied to infants, raises ethical issues of consent and bodily autonomy. They argue that people must be entitled to their own choices about their bodies, including a often permanent procedure. Other proponents say that parents should be allowed to make medical decisions for their children – even when those choices are based on cultural or religious beliefs.
2. Medical Debate
Medical experts are divided on whether we should eviscerate our ancestors. Though some studies do laud its health effects, others mention the absence of compelling medical rationale for the surgery. According to the AAP, circumcision may be advantageous but should be a personal choice between parents because it isn’t critical to the child’s health.
3. Cultural and Social Implications
Cultural attitudes toward circumcision are very diverse. In some cultures it is seen as an expected thing, and in others it is frowned upon. Throughout the last few years, the issue of circumcision has gained increased public visibility, as more parents refuse the procedure out of a sense that it is unnecessary and/or morally questionable.
Global Practices and Trends
Circumcision rates vary drastically throughout the world. The practice of circumcision is widespread in the US, with figures of 60–80 per cent for certain groups. By contrast, the rates in most European nations are much lower, often due to cultural and medical differences.
But over the past few years, in some places, the tide has been turning: we are learning to understand the moral dimension, and we’re pushing for informed consent more explicitly. A movement advocating bodily autonomy and criticising traditions gained traction, with circumcisions in some regions declining.
Conclusion: Circumcision
Circumcision is a complex medical, historical and cultural procedure. As the debates about morality, choice and health develop, parents need to make informed choices that are consistent with their values and beliefs. The conversation around circumcision speaks to broader changes in the way people think about bodily agency, medicine and culture. At the end of the day, we should all approach circumcision with care, understanding and respect for the multiple voices that inform this longstanding tradition.
