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In reply to the discussion: Circumcision is grievous bodily harm, German judges rule [View all]COLGATE4
(14,732 posts)unusual to be able to have a coherent discussion on an emotional topic.
I think the question about FGM vs circumcision is more a physiological rather than a semantic one. As I understand it, FGM normally includes resection of both the labia minora and labia majora - an almost total resection of the exterior female genitalia. In addition, it is usually done by totally untrained persons in totally unsanitary conditions and against older children who are aware of their surroundings and usually frightened, unwilling participants. My daughter, a M.D. who has experience treating female patients in Somalia and Djibouti tells me that, in addition to having the FGM the patient often presents with the vagina sewed shut after the 'procedure', which in turn produces all kinds of medical nightmares (not the least of which are fistulas). That qualifies as a "mutilation"
Infant male circumcision involves virtually none of the above elements. It is either done in a hospital, with local anesthetic or at home by a Mohel, where the child is given a few drops of wine. It is my understanding that, at age 1 day to 7 days (the required time for male circumcision for Jews) the child's perception of pain is not very well developed, to the point that most trained people will call the procedure 'painless'. In any event the actual incision is not drastic. There are probably no pressing medical reasons for infant circumcision, except that the probability of a circumcised male contracting penile cancer is negligible. In addition some medical research indicates that circumcised males are somewhat less susceptible to some STD's, particularly HIV. In contrast, the only argument against circumcision seems to be a "heightened sexual response"in the uncircumcised male, a fact which is countered by others who believe the minimal lack of sensitivity in the circumcised male permits him to be a better partner by being able to delay climax longer to be able to accommodate his partner. Calling this procedure "mutilation" uses an emotionally charged term that adds nothing to the conversation.