Routine (non-religious) neonatal circumcision and bodily integrity: a transatlantic dialogue

Kennedy Inst Ethics J. 2009 Jun;19(2):125-46. doi: 10.1353/ken.0.0279.

Abstract

In the current debate about the pros and cons of routine (non-religious) neonatal circumcision (RNC), the emphasis is on medical justifications for the practice. Questions of human rights also are widely discussed. However, even if the alleged medical benefits of RNC were to outweigh the harms and risks, this is not a sufficient justification for RNC. The practice of RNC is questionable from a variety of viewpoints including not only the ideal of evidence-based medicine and human rights considerations, but also the notion of respect for bodily integrity.

MeSH terms

  • Body Image*
  • Circumcision, Male* / adverse effects
  • Circumcision, Male* / economics
  • Circumcision, Male* / ethics
  • Circumcision, Male* / psychology
  • Communication
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Europe
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • Human Rights
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • North America
  • Patient Rights*
  • Religion and Medicine
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Values*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / prevention & control