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Report: Male circumcision cuts AIDS risk
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So what? Can't people make decisions like circumcision when they become sexually active? Why does it have to be done at birth when the infant has no choice in the matter?
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I'm just countering the view of some that this procedure "serves no purpose whatsoever".
I'm not sure I see how this is radically different from thousands of other decisions that parents make for their children before they are old enough to decide for themselves. Seems comparable in kind (if not in degree) to vaccination - small unmemorable discomfort and small risk in exchange for health benefits. Also consider that with the HIV connection, there are public health considerations in addition to individual health.
Finally, do you really expect this conversation to take place? "Mom, Dad, I'll be 14 next month, and I'm thinking about fooling around with Suzy Johnson. Can we talk about circumcision?"
Note: I am obviously biased. This was done to me and I do not consider myself mutilated.