Should Circumcision Become Public Health Policy?

September 1, 2009

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention caused quite a stir last week when word slipped out that the agency was considering, for the first time, making public health recommendations concerning circumcision. In terms of a woman’s health, circumcision makes sense because it lowers a man’s risk of getting infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and, thus, decreases his likelihood of transmitting them to his female partner. That’s probably why the editorial board of the San Francisco Chronicle has come out supporting recommendations, expected to be issued by the CDC next year, in favor of circumcision to “curb the spread of HIV and other infections.” But those vehemently opposed to circumcision—who call themselves “intactivists”—have expressed outrage that the government is thinking about recommending that all newborn boys be circumcised. They contend it’s a form of mutilation that destroys a man’s ability to fully experience sexual pleasure. (US News & World Report)