Introduction
Circumcision is an operation that can be performed on both men and women. Male circumcision is part of the traditions of some ethnic groups, such as Jews and Muslims. Female circumcision is now actively performed in Africa and the Middle East. The ethics concerning circumcision is argued among different healthcare organizations; however, they all agree that it is unethical and unacceptable to perform this operation on people, particularly children, without their consent (Earp, 2016).
Male Circumcision
Male circumcision is the surgical removal of the prepuce, the skin that covers the end of a penis. Usually, circumcision is performed on young boys or babies; however, it can also be performed on adult men (Earp, 2015).
There are three main reasons for male circumcision: cultural, religious, and medical. For cultural reasons, circumcision is practiced in many countries of the world, each having its explanation for why they perform it. In most countries, it is a social tradition to circumcise boys in a coming-of-age ritual. For hygienic purposes, circumcision was performed in the UK at the end of the nineteenth century and in the USA at the beginning of the twentieth century. Additionally, male circumcision is obligatory for Jews and Muslims (Earp, 2016).
As for medical reasons, male circumcision can prevent the dissemination of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) including the most virulent ones, such as HIV/AIDS. It also reduces the risk of cancer of the penis and urinary infections, and, according to the research conducted in 2002, women who have sex with a man who has undertaken circumcision have fewer chances for cervical cancer development. Additionally, male circumcision is sometimes required for the treatment of some medical conditions, such as phimosis and paraphimosis. However, there is a risk of postoperative complications, including infections and bleeding (Earp, 2016).
Female Circumcision
Female circumcision is the removal or cutting of some or all of the external female genitalia. This kind of operation is much less widespread compared to male circumcision. Nevertheless, it is practiced in several countries, particularly in Africa and in the Middle East. Unfortunately, due to poor hygiene, the lack of the appropriate medical equipment, and skilled specialists, this operation endangers the health of millions of women, especially in Africa (Earp, 2015).
In some communities, there is a religious and cultural tradition called a female rite of passage that involves female circumcision. In Middle Eastern communities, in the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Italy, and Sweden there are also thousands of girls who have undertaken circumcision (Earp, 2015).
The issue of female circumcision is discussed among different healthcare organizations. Nearly all of them consider this kind of operation a violation of women’s rights, primarily because this operation is almost always performed without their consent (Earp, 2015).
Ethical and Human Issues
Currently, there are many controversies as to the ethics of human circumcision. In general, the common opinion is that children must not be circumcised, as it is a violation of human rights. Three parties are involved in the decision of circumcision of infants: the infants, their parents, and the doctor. According to the medical ethical principles, the doctor must “promote well-being” and “no harm”. In such cases, it is unnecessary to harm, and the doctor may not make a decision. Therefore, the parents always take responsibility in such cases (Earp, 2016).
However, the defenders of human rights claim that it is not ethical on the side of parents to make such a decision for their child. They also state that infant circumcision must be prohibited, as babies do not understand whether they want it or not, and without their consent, the process of circumcision becomes coercive which is forbidden according to medical laws and ethics (Earp, 2016).
Conclusion
Thus, there are different opinions concerning the ethics of male circumcision. Some people think that it is genital mutilation, while others claim that it does not cause any harmful consequences. Female circumcision is mostly considered unethical, as it is frequently performed without a girl’s consent. Infant circumcision is considered unethical and unacceptable, as babies cannot give their consent on the operation without comprehending the issue.
References
Earp, B. D. (2015). Female genital mutilation and male circumcision: Toward an autonomy-based ethical framework. Medicolegal and Bioethics, 5(1), 89-104.
Earp, B. D. (2016). Male circumcision: Who should decide. Pediatrics, 37(5), 591-594.