A Book Review
At last! Finally we have a well-written book for the public by a scientist who objectively and accurately presents an evidence-based picture of the medical value of newborn circumcision. In particular, Dr. Morris reviews the significant studies over the past 15 years, which give compelling evidence of the protective effect of newborn circumcision against severe kidney infections in the first year of life. In addition, references are cited from over 40 studies showing that uncircumcised men have about a three-fold increased risk of contracting heterosexual HIV infection, leading the World Health Organization to recognize the role of circumcision in preventing world-wide AIDS. In contrast to the scores of anti-circumcision books and web-sites filled with anecdotes, testimonials, and opinions, Dr. Morris concentrates on published evidence, backed by a reference section. A review in the Journal of Urology characterizes a recent anti-circumcision book by two leading opponents of circumcision as "a biased presentation of poorly collected data." Dr. Morris, by contrast, has given us a documented, updated review of circumcision as a preventive health measure, which confirms the advantages, including prevention of penile cancer, foreskin infection, and improved genital hygiene. Methods for performing circumcision are included, reflecting the current feeling that local anesthesia should be used in newborns to avoid pain. As an aside to the medical studies, Morris includes a section devoted to personal testimonies of men whose lives were improved by circumcision, as a counterbalance to the anti-circumcision witnesses.
If you want an emotional, biased presentation of testimonials, beliefs, and anecdotes, tune into the web-sites and literature of anti-circumcision groups with catchy acronyms such as NOCIRC (National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource Centers), NOHARMM (National Organization to Halt the Abuse and Ritual Mutilation of Males), RECAP (Re-Cover a Penis), and BUFF (Brothers United for Future Foreskins). But read "In Favour of Circumcision" if you are a provider looking for objective information, an anglophile who appreciates good writing, or a prospective parent looking for the facts on newborn circumcision.
Edgar J. Schoen, MD
Chairman, American Academy of Pediatrics 1989 Task Force on Circumcision
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