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Genital Modifications in Prepubescent Minors: When May Clinicians Ethically Proceed? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOETHICS : AJOB 2024:1-50. [PMID: 39018160 DOI: 10.1080/15265161.2024.2353823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
When is it ethically permissible for clinicians to surgically intervene into the genitals of a legal minor? We distinguish between voluntary and nonvoluntary procedures and focus on nonvoluntary procedures, specifically in prepubescent minors ("children"). We do not address procedures in adolescence or adulthood. With respect to children categorized as female at birth who have no apparent differences of sex development (i.e., non-intersex or "endosex" females) there is a near-universal ethical consensus in the Global North. This consensus holds that clinicians may not perform any nonvoluntary genital cutting or surgery, from "cosmetic" labiaplasty to medicalized ritual "pricking" of the vulva, insofar as the procedure is not strictly necessary to protect the child's physical health. All other motivations, including possible psychosocial, cultural, subjective-aesthetic, or prophylactic benefits as judged by doctors or parents, are seen as categorically inappropriate grounds for a clinician to proceed with a nonvoluntary genital procedure in this population. We argue that the main ethical reasons capable of supporting this consensus turn not on empirically contestable benefit-risk calculations, but on a fundamental concern to respect the child's privacy, bodily integrity, developing sexual boundaries, and (future) genital autonomy. We show that these ethical reasons are sound. However, as we argue, they do not only apply to endosex female children, but rather to all children regardless of sex characteristics, including those with intersex traits and endosex males. We conclude, therefore, that as a matter of justice, inclusivity, and gender equality in medical-ethical policy (we do not take a position as to criminal law), clinicians should not be permitted to perform any nonvoluntary genital cutting or surgery in prepubescent minors, irrespective of the latter's sex traits or gender assignment, unless urgently necessary to protect their physical health. By contrast, we suggest that voluntary surgeries in older individuals might, under certain conditions, permissibly be performed for a wider range of reasons, including reasons of self-identity or psychosocial well-being, in keeping with the circumstances, values, and explicit needs and preferences of the persons so concerned. Note: Because our position is tied to clinicians' widely accepted role-specific duties as medical practitioners within regulated healthcare systems, we do not consider genital procedures performed outside of a healthcare context (e.g., for religious reasons) or by persons other than licensed healthcare providers working in their professional capacity.
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Morris B, Rivin BE, Sheldon M, Krieger JN. Neonatal Male Circumcision: Clearly Beneficial for Public Health or an Ethical Dilemma? A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e54772. [PMID: 38405642 PMCID: PMC10889534 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Contrasting ethical and legal arguments have been made concerning neonatal male circumcision (NMC) that merit the first systematic review on this topic. We performed PRISMA-compliant keyword searches of PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, LexisNexis, and other databases and identified 61 articles that met the inclusion criteria. In the bibliographies of these articles, we identified 58 more relevant articles and 28 internet items. We found high-quality evidence that NMC is a low-risk procedure that provides immediate and lifetime medical and health benefits and only rarely leads to later adverse effects on sexual function or pleasure. Given this evidence, we conclude that discouraging or denying NMC is unethical from the perspective of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the right to health. Further, case law supports the legality of NMC. We found, conversely, that the ethical arguments against NMC rely on distortions of the medical evidence. Thus, NMC, by experienced operators using available safety precautions, appears to be both legal and ethical. Consistent with this conclusion, all of the evidence-based pediatric policies that we reviewed describe NMC as low-risk and beneficial to public health. We calculated that a reduction in NMC in the United States from 80% to 10% would substantially increase the cases of adverse medical conditions. The present findings thus support the evidence-based NMC policy statements and are inconsistent with the non-evidence-based policies that discourage NMC. On balance, the arguments and evidence reviewed here indicate that NMC is a medically beneficial and ethical public health intervention early in life because it reduces suffering, deaths, cases, and costs of treating adverse medical conditions throughout the lifetimes of circumcised individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Morris
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, AUS
| | - Beth E Rivin
- Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
- Bioethics, Uplift International, Seattle, USA
| | - Mark Sheldon
- Medical Humanities and Bioethics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
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Moreton S, Cox G, Sheldon M, Bailis SA, Klausner JD, Morris BJ. Comments by opponents on the British Medical Association's guidance on non-therapeutic male circumcision of children seem one-sided and may undermine public health. World J Clin Pediatr 2023; 12:244-262. [PMID: 38178933 PMCID: PMC10762604 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i5.244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The British Medical Association (BMA) guidance on non-therapeutic circumcision (NTMC) of male children is limited to ethical, legal and religious issues. Here we evaluate criticisms of the BMA's guidance by Lempert et al. While their arguments promoting autonomy and consent might be superficially appealing, their claim of high procedural risks and negligible benefits seem one-sided and contrast with high quality evidence of low risk and lifelong benefits. Extensive literature reviews by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in developing evidence-based policies, as well as risk-benefit analyses, have found that the medical benefits of infant NTMC greatly exceed the risks, and there is no reduction in sexual function and pleasure. The BMA's failure to consider the medical benefits of early childhood NTMC may partly explain why this prophylactic intervention is discouraged in the United Kingdom. The consequence is higher prevalence of preventable infections, adverse medical conditions, suffering and net costs to the UK's National Health Service for treatment of these. Many of the issues and contradictions in the BMA guidance identified by Lempert et al stem from the BMA's guidance not being sufficiently evidence-based. Indeed, that document called for a review by others of the medical issues surrounding NTMC. While societal factors apply, ultimately, NTMC can only be justified rationally on scientific, evidence-based grounds. Parents are entitled to an accurate presentation of the medical evidence so that they can make an informed decision. Their decision either for or against NTMC should then be respected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guy Cox
- Australian Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis and School of Aeronautical, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Sheldon
- Medical Humanities and Bioethics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
| | - Stefan A Bailis
- Cornerstone Therapy & Recovery Center, St. Paul, MN 55101, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Klausner
- Department of Medicine, Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States
| | - Brian J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, New South Wales, Australia
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Ayan G, Şahin ÖÖ. Effect of therapeutic play based training program on pre- and post-operative anxiety and fear: A study on circumcision surgery in Turkish Muslim children. J Pediatr Urol 2023:S1477-5131(23)00194-8. [PMID: 37202291 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2023.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Developmentally appropriate pre-surgical educational programs can help alleviate the anxiety of both children and parents. As one of the most common pediatric surgical procedures is circumcision; and they may experience anxiety and fear before and after this surgical procedure, this study is considered to make an important contribution to the literature. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effect of therapeutic play based training program on pre- and post-operative anxiety and fear levels of children aged 8-11 years who would undergo circumcision. STUDY DESIGN This was a quasi-experimental study that consisted of a pre- and post-intervention and control groups; and concluded with 60 children aged 8-11 years (intervention group: 30 and no intervention/control group: 30). Child and Parent Information Form, Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI) and Fear for Medical Procedures Scale (FMPS) were used as data collection tools. Children in the intervention group applied a "therapeutic play-based training program" 2 h before they underwent circumcision surgery. Therapeutic toys used in the educational program has designed by researchers. RESULTS After the training program, children in the intervention group obtained lower CASI (preop t = 6.383, p < .001; postop t = 8.763, p < .001) and FMPS (preop t = 6.331, p < .001; postop t = 9.366, p < .001) total mean scores than those in the control group. DISCUSSION This study was concluded that the therapeutic play based training program used to prepare children for circumcision surgery was effective in reducing their pre- and post-operative anxiety and medical fears. Considering that male circumcision is a religious and cultural necessity in Turkey, further studies can also examine whether the anxiety and medical fear scores differ in study groups that include children who are not Muslim or live in a different country, and whether the training program will be effective in reducing their anxiety and medical fears. CONCLUSIONS A therapeutic play based training program can be used to prepare children for circumcision in the preoperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gülbahar Ayan
- Pediatric Clinic, Karabuk Provincial Health Directorate, Safranbolu State Hospital, Karabuk, Türkiye
| | - Özlem Öztürk Şahin
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Heath Sciences, Karabuk University, Karabuk, Türkiye.
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Hammond T, Sardi LM, Jellison WA, McAllister R, Snyder B, Fahmy MAB. Foreskin restorers: insights into motivations, successes, challenges, and experiences with medical and mental health professionals - An abridged summary of key findings. Int J Impot Res 2023; 35:309-322. [PMID: 36997741 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-023-00686-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Demographically diverse surveys in the United States suggest that 5-10% of non-voluntarily circumcised American males wish that they had not been circumcised. Similar data are unavailable in other countries. An unknown proportion of circumcised males experience acute circumcision-related distress; some attempt to regain a sense of bodily integrity through non-surgical foreskin restoration. Their concerns are often ignored by health professionals. We conducted an in-depth investigation into foreskin restorers' lived experiences. An online survey containing 49 qualitative and 10 demographic questions was developed to identify restorers' motivations, successes, challenges, and experiences with health professionals. Targeted sampling was employed to reach this distinctive population. Invitations were disseminated to customers of commercial restoration devices, online restoration forums, device manufacturer websites, and via genital autonomy organizations. Over 2100 surveys were submitted by respondents from 60 countries. We report results from 1790 fully completed surveys. Adverse physical, sexual, emotional/psychological and self-esteem impacts attributed to circumcision had motivated participants to seek foreskin restoration. Most sought no professional help due to hopelessness, fear, or mistrust. Those who sought help encountered trivialization, dismissal, or ridicule. Most participants recommended restoration. Many professionals are unprepared to assist this population. Circumcision sufferers/foreskin restorers have largely been ill-served by medical and mental health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hammond
- Independent Researcher, Your Sexual Medicine Journal, .
| | | | | | | | - Ben Snyder
- Certified Sex Therapist, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Is it time for a time-out? Progress versus politics in studying the psychosexual implications of penile circumcision. Int J Impot Res 2022; 35:252-255. [PMID: 36042356 PMCID: PMC9427164 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Tye MC, Sardi LM. Psychological, psychosocial, and psychosexual aspects of penile circumcision. Int J Impot Res 2022; 35:242-248. [PMID: 35347302 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-022-00553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Policy statements on penile circumcision have focused primarily on disease, dysfunction, or sensation, with relatively little consideration of psychological and psychosocial implications of the procedure. There has also been minimal consideration of potential qualitative changes in the subjective experience of sexual activity following changes in penile anatomy (foreskin removal) or associated sexual biomechanics. We present a critical overview of literature on the psychological, psychosocial, and psychosexual implications of penile circumcision. We give consideration to differences among circumcisions performed in infancy, childhood, or adulthood. We also discuss potential psychosocial effects on parents electing, or failing to elect, circumcision for their children. We propose a framework for policy considerations and future research, recognizing that cultural context is particularly salient for the narratives individuals construct around penile circumcision, including both affected individuals and medical professionals who perform the surgeries. We argue that additional attention should be paid to the potential for long-term effects of the procedure that may not be properly considered when the patient is an infant or child.
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Wenzel T, Kizilhan JI, Alksiri R, Dörfler D, Messerschmidt EJ, Chen AF. FGM and Restorative Justice-A Challenge for Developing Countries and for Refugee Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18178913. [PMID: 34501503 PMCID: PMC8430822 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has been identified as one of the most serious human rights violations women are exposed to in many countries, in spite of national and international efforts. The actual implementation of preventive strategies and support of victims faces a number of challenges that can only be addressed by an interdisciplinary approach integrating public health and legal considerations. FGM in the context of women as refugees who left their country to escape FGM has rarely been covered in this context. This article summarizes the most important international standards and initiatives against FGM, highlights the medical, legal, and psychological factors identified so far, and explores the interdisciplinary considerations in changing a country and society to permit safe return of those escaping FGM to third countries and support public health in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wenzel
- World Psychiatric Association Scientific Section on Psychological Aspects of Persecution and Torture, 1226 Geneva, Switzerland; (R.A.); (A.F.C.)
- CEHRI, The Centre for the Enforcement of Human Rights International, Schwarzspanierstraße 15/1/17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40400-37230
| | - Jan Ilhan Kizilhan
- Duale Hochschule Baden-Württemberg, 78054 Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany;
- University of Dohuk, AJ Duhok 1006, Iraq
| | - Reem Alksiri
- World Psychiatric Association Scientific Section on Psychological Aspects of Persecution and Torture, 1226 Geneva, Switzerland; (R.A.); (A.F.C.)
- CEHRI, The Centre for the Enforcement of Human Rights International, Schwarzspanierstraße 15/1/17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Dörfler
- Department Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | | | - Anthony Fu Chen
- World Psychiatric Association Scientific Section on Psychological Aspects of Persecution and Torture, 1226 Geneva, Switzerland; (R.A.); (A.F.C.)
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Hanberger A, Essén B, Wahlberg A. Attitudes towards comparison of male and female genital cutting in a Swedish Somali population. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2021; 100:604-613. [PMID: 33554342 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Sweden, the law treats female genital cutting (FGC) differently from male genital cutting (MGC). However, the comparability of the medical, ethical, and legal aspects of genital cutting of girls and boys are increasingly discussed by scholars, although little is known about how practicing communities view these aspects. This study aimed to explore attitudes towards comparison of genital cutting of girls and boys among Swedish Somalis, and to investigate factors associated with considering the two practices to be comparable. MATERIAL AND METHODS In a cross-sectional questionnaire with 648 Swedish Somali men and women from four Swedish cities, descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for the analysis. RESULTS Among the Swedish Somalis, 10% considered FGC and MGC to be comparable practices. A majority (98%) of the participants thought FGC could cause long-term health complications, but only 1% considered the physical health disadvantage of MGC would outweigh the physical health benefits. FGC was perceived to be a violation of children's rights by 60%, whereas this proportion for MGC was 3%. Individuals who had a dominant bridging social capital and those who expressed that performing FGC follows religion were more likely to think that FGC and MGC were comparable practices. CONCLUSIONS The increased global attention and emphasis on the comparability of genital cutting of boys and girls was not reflected in this study among Swedish Somalis. Rather, attitudes reflected the common description of the two practices in global public health campaigns, portraying FGC as a harmful practice violating children's rights, while describing MGC as a public health measure. Social interactions and separation of FGC from religion could explain why FGC and MGC were not considered comparable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Hanberger
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Essén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anna Wahlberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Morris BJ, Krieger JN. The Contrasting Evidence Concerning the Effect of Male Circumcision on Sexual Function, Sensation, and Pleasure: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2020; 8:577-598. [PMID: 33008776 PMCID: PMC7691872 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Active debate concerns whether male circumcision (MC) affects sexual function, penile sensation, or sexual pleasure. AIM To perform a systematic review examining the effect of MC on these parameters. METHODS PRISMA-compliant searches of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were performed, with "circumcision" used together with appropriate search terms. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were rated for quality by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Evidence rated by quality. RESULTS Searches identified 46 publications containing original data, as well as 4 systematic reviews (2 with meta-analyses), plus 29 critiques of various studies and 15 author replies, which together comprised a total of 94 publications. There was overall consistency in conclusions arising from high- and moderate-quality survey data in randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses, physiological studies, large longitudinal studies, and cohort studies in diverse populations. Those studies found MC has no or minimal adverse effect on sexual function, sensation, or pleasure, with some finding improvements. A consensus from physiological and histological studies was that the glans and underside of the shaft, not the foreskin, are involved in neurological pathways mediating erogenous sensation. In contrast to the higher quality evidence, data supporting adverse effects of MC on function, sensation, or pleasure were found to be of low quality, as explained in critiques of those studies. CONCLUSION The consensus of the highest quality literature is that MC has minimal or no adverse effect, and in some studies, it has benefits on sexual functions, sensation, satisfaction, and pleasure for males circumcised neonatally or in adulthood. Morris BJ, Krieger JN. The Contrasting Evidence Concerning the Effect of Male Circumcision on Sexual Function, Sensation, and Pleasure: A Systematic Review. Sex Med 2020;8:577-598.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - John N Krieger
- Department of Urology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Miani A, Di Bernardo GA, Højgaard AD, Earp BD, Zak PJ, Landau AM, Hoppe J, Winterdahl M. Neonatal male circumcision is associated with altered adult socio-affective processing. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05566. [PMID: 33299934 PMCID: PMC7702013 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal male circumcision is a painful skin-breaking procedure that may affect infant physiological and behavioral stress responses as well as mother-infant interaction. Due to the plasticity of the developing nociceptive system, neonatal pain might carry long-term consequences on adult behavior. In this study, we examined whether infant male circumcision is associated with long-term psychological effects on adult socio-affective processing. METHODS We recruited 408 men circumcised within the first month of life and 211 non-circumcised men and measured socio-affective behaviors and stress via a battery of validated psychometric scales. RESULTS Early-circumcised men reported lower attachment security and lower emotional stability while no differences in empathy or trust were found. Early circumcision was also associated with stronger sexual drive and less restricted socio-sexuality along with higher perceived stress and sensation seeking. LIMITATIONS This is a cross-sectional study relying on self-reported measures from a US population. CONCLUSIONS Our findings resonate with the existing literature suggesting links between altered emotional processing in circumcised men and neonatal stress. Consistent with longitudinal studies on infant attachment, early circumcision might have an impact on adult socio-affective traits or behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Miani
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Institute of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Gian Antonio Di Bernardo
- Department of Education and Human Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emiilia, Italy
| | | | - Brian D. Earp
- Departments of Philosophy and Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul J. Zak
- Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Anne M. Landau
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Hoppe
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Winterdahl
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Earp BD, Johnsdotter S. Current critiques of the WHO policy on female genital mutilation. Int J Impot Res 2020; 33:196-209. [PMID: 32457498 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-0302-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the dominant Western discourse on "female genital mutilation" (FGM) has increasingly been challenged by scholars. Numerous researchers contest both the terminology used and the empirical claims made in what has come to be called "the standard tale" of FGM (also termed "female genital cutting" [FGC]). The World Health Organization (WHO), a major player in setting the global agenda on this issue, maintains that all medically unnecessary cutting of the external female genitalia, no matter how slight, should be banned as torture and a violation of the human right to bodily integrity. However, the WHO targets only non-Western forms of female-only genital cutting, raising concerns about gender bias and cultural imperialism. Here, we summarize ongoing critiques of the WHO's terminology, ethicolegal assumptions, and empirical claims, including the claim that non-Western FGC as such constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. To this end, we highlight recent comparative studies of medically unnecessary genital cutting of all types, including those affecting adult women and teenagers in Western societies, individuals with differences of sex development (DSD), transgender persons, and males. In so doing, we attempt to clarify the grounds for a growing critical consensus that current anti-FGM laws and policies may be ethically incoherent, empirically unsupportable, and legally unsustainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Earp
- Associate Director, Yale-Hastings Program in Ethics and Health Policy, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA. .,The Hastings Center, Garrison, New York, NY, 10524, USA.
| | - Sara Johnsdotter
- Professor of Medical Anthropology, Faculty of Health and Society, Centre for Sexology and Sexuality Studies, Malmö University, SE-205 06, Malmö, Sweden
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Morris BJ, Moreton S, Krieger JN. Critical evaluation of arguments opposing male circumcision: A systematic review. J Evid Based Med 2019; 12:263-290. [PMID: 31496128 PMCID: PMC6899915 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate evidence against male circumcision (MC). METHODS We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. RESULTS Database searches retrieved 297 publications for inclusion. Bibliographies of these yielded 101 more. After evaluation we found: Claims that MC carries high risk were contradicted by low frequency of adverse events that were virtually all minor and easily treated with complete resolution. Claims that MC causes psychological harm were contradicted by studies finding no such harm. Claims that MC impairs sexual function and pleasure were contradicted by high-quality studies finding no adverse effect. Claims disputing the medical benefits of MC were contradicted by a large body of high-quality evidence indicating protection against a wide range of infections, dermatological conditions, and genital cancers in males and the female sexual partners of men. Risk-benefit analyses reported that benefits exceed risks by 100-200 to 1. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, the evidence supported early infant MC rather than arguments that the procedure should be delayed until males are old enough to decide for themselves. Claims that MC of minors is unethical were contradicted by balanced evaluations of ethical issues supporting the rights of children to be provided with low-risk, high-benefit interventions such as MC for better health. Expert evaluations of case-law supported the legality of MC of minors. Other data demonstrated that early infant MC is cost-saving to health systems. CONCLUSIONS Arguments opposing MC are supported mostly by low-quality evidence and opinion, and are contradicted by strong scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Morris
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - John N Krieger
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashington
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Wahlberg A, Essén B, Johnsdotter S. From sameness to difference: Swedish Somalis' post-migration perceptions of the circumcision of girls and boys. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2019; 21:619-635. [PMID: 30411652 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2018.1502472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In every society where non-therapeutic female circumcision (FC) occurs, so too does non-therapeutic male circumcision (MC). In the past few decades, the norm in Euro-American societies has been to distinguish between the practices: FC is banned, while MC is condoned or encouraged. We explored Somalis' post-migration perceptions of FC and MC, while considering that they once lived in a society where both practices were widely accepted and now live in a society where there is a legal ban on FC alongside acceptance of MC. Eighteen individual interviews and seven focus group discussions were conducted with Somali men and women in three Swedish cities. There seemed to be a continuity of values across male and female forms of genital cutting concerning being a good Muslim, not inflicting harm and upholding respectability. Following migration, however, a renegotiation of how these values relate to MC and FC resulted in a conceptual split between the two: MC was perceived as an unquestionably required practice, but FC was viewed as a practice that can be adapted or abandoned. In a new cultural context after migration, perceptions of ideal male and female genitals, and what kinds of inscriptions on the body are desired, seem to have changed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wahlberg
- a International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Department of Women's and Children's Health , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Birgitta Essén
- a International Maternal and Child Health (IMCH), Department of Women's and Children's Health , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Sara Johnsdotter
- b Faculty of Health and Society , Malmö University , Malmö , Sweden
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Hammond T, Reiss MD. Antecedents of Emotional Distress and Sexual Dissatisfaction in Circumcised Men: Previous Findings and Future Directions-Comment on Bossio and Pukall (2017). ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:1319-1320. [PMID: 29500595 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Hammond
- Global Survey of Circumcision Harm, Palm Springs, CA, USA.
| | - Mark D Reiss
- Doctors Opposing Circumcision/D.O.C., San Francisco, CA, USA
- Celebrants of Brit Shalom, San Francisco, CA, USA
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