I think this discussion is often complicated by the idea that circumcision is a singular procedure with no variation in outcomes. There are varying types of circumcisions with differences in results based on the age at circumcision, the method, the amount of foreskin removed, the tools used, etc. This along with individual variations in the amount and sensitivity of foreskin results in differing outcomes in different individuals.
Discussions of male circumcision are often further complicated by comparisons with FGM, which itself is not a single procedure but an even wider variety of procedures. There is a variety of genital cutting for male and female bodies.
Rather than litigating how much medically unnecessary nonconsensual genital tissue removal should be allowed, I believe we should seek to ban all medically unnecessary genital cutting of minors. Precisely because it is a flagrant violation of the right to bodily integrity.
In regards to the United States, there was a federal law that banned all types of genital cutting for female bodies. It has been struck down, but there are still state laws intact. There are no federal laws prohibiting nor regulating genital cutting for male bodies.
I do think the way circumcision is treated in the US is interesting because if you tried to have any other part of your child's body cut, no medical professional would comply and you would probably be referred to police for child abuse. In that sense, we recognize that medically unnecessary cutting of a child's body is wrong, but carve out an exception due to local customs and traditions.
I think this discussion is often complicated by the idea that circumcision is a singular procedure with no variation in outcomes. There are varying types of circumcisions with differences in results based on the age at circumcision, the method, the amount of foreskin removed, the tools used, etc. This along with individual variations in the amount and sensitivity of foreskin results in differing outcomes in different individuals.
Discussions of male circumcision are often further complicated by comparisons with FGM, which itself is not a single procedure but an even wider variety of procedures. There is a variety of genital cutting for male and female bodies.
Rather than litigating how much medically unnecessary nonconsensual genital tissue removal should be allowed, I believe we should seek to ban all medically unnecessary genital cutting of minors. Precisely because it is a flagrant violation of the right to bodily integrity.
In regards to the United States, there was a federal law that banned all types of genital cutting for female bodies. It has been struck down, but there are still state laws intact. There are no federal laws prohibiting nor regulating genital cutting for male bodies.
I do think the way circumcision is treated in the US is interesting because if you tried to have any other part of your child's body cut, no medical professional would comply and you would probably be referred to police for child abuse. In that sense, we recognize that medically unnecessary cutting of a child's body is wrong, but carve out an exception due to local customs and traditions.