Circumcision, cultural bias, and the question of consent
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Citation
Imagine an infant girl placed onto a cold, hospital table specifically designed to restrain her small body. She is naked. Her flailing arms and legs are strapped down. A medical professional places a sharp tool to the girl’s genitals and prepares to cut off her labia or clitoris. The practice is said to keep her vulva clean and reduce the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. The tissue is cut. The infant girl’s face contorts with pain. Blood. Shrill screams pierce the room. She is given sugar water in an attempt to pacify. Later, parents are provided careful instructions as to how to care for the wound. They are told their daughter won’t remember the event. They are told that no harm was done. Following the procedure, hospitals sell the discarded tissue for profit commercially. Imagine that this occurs every 30 seconds in America.
Now, imagine that the baby is a boy.
Excellent !
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Oui, un très bon article !
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Now, imagine that the baby is a boy.
<IRONIE ON>
Ah ben, ça change tout. C'est pour son bien que l'on fait cela.
Pour l'acceptation dans sa communauté (il serait traumatisé d'être intact) et pour les multiples avantages pour sa santé, mais surtout pour celle de sa partenaire.
<IRONIE OFF>