RELAY, Nempha D.

BSMID1- Ethics May 17, 2023

Males are typically subjected to circumcision, which is defined as the

removal of the foreskin, also known as the prepuce, from the glans (head) of
the human male genitalia. Male neonatal circumcision has been performed
for centuries and is still performed in some cultures today. Circumcision
gives no chance that babies or kids will get an infection under their skin.
Simpler genital care, substantially decreased risk of developing penis cancer,
while this condition is extremely rare and proper genital hygiene also
appears to reduce the risk.  Circumcision is medically necessary and that the
choice should be left up to the child rather than the parents. Does it really
violate human rights and unethical?

Circumcision has medical health benefits including; Less risk of urinary

tract infections. It is said to reduce risk of some sexually transmitted
diseases in men. It can give protection against penile cancer and a lower risk
of cervical cancer in female sex partners. It can help on prevention of
balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of
the glans and foreskin) and prevention of phimosis. Additionally,
circumcision makes it simpler to keep the penis' tip clean.

Circumcision is biblical. It was more than just a rite of passage for

Jews. It served as a symbol of their bond with God in their eyes. The act of
circumcision identified them as God's treasured treasure—his chosen people.
Circumcision was a covenant established with Abraham to circumcise all
males of his household on the eighth day after their birth. After their stay in
Egypt, the practice was renewed on the banks of the Jordan. Circumcision
means different things to different people. To some, it was, and still is, a rite
of passage into adulthood. To others, it is merely a simple medical
procedure. But to the Jews, it was, and still remains, a sign of God’s
covenant with them.

Circumcision is ethical because over the course of a lifetime, it confers

wide range of important medical and public health benefits. Benefits
outweigh harms. The surgery is simple, and there is little chance of
problems. Local anesthetic injections can effectively and safely treat pain.
Delaying the decision until the age of consent prevents some of the
advantages of early circumcision and increases the risk of problems
compared to when it is done in infancy. Because of the diversity of our
RELAY, Nempha D. BSMID1- Ethics May 17, 2023

society, we must understand the families who choose the surgery out of
personal or familial tradition.

Those against circumcisions say, it is unnecessary and unethical, in

contrast it is ethical and not really necessary but it is promoted to be
practiced. Autonomy of the child is not violated because proxy consent is
exercised to make medical decisions on behalf of their child. It shows the act
of non-maleficence which is to do no harm, the pain felt during and after is
part of the procedure. Lastly, beneficence, to do good whereas good
outweigh harm what the providers see is the health benefit for the child.

In general, there are many different viewpoints on the nature of

circumcision and how it should be performed on neonates. The majority of
the theories that encourage the promotion of this activity are supported by
science and offer a clear stance. These propose that in addition to
advocating the practice, circumcision must also be compulsory.