FOR SKIN OR AGAINST SKIN

Published as “For skin or against skin” Trinidad Express 7/01/05

The Editor: I would like to lend my contribution to the current debate on circumcision. Female genital mutilation is abhorred around the world, however, there are those who promote the supposed virtues of male circumcision, which I consider to be male genital mutilation Clearly, the former is a more heinous practice, however they share basic similarities. My major point of concern is that they are both inflicted on children who do not have a choice in the matter.

 Circumcision is a cultural practice without medical merit. With proper hygiene, it is unlikely that there would be any differences in disease prevalence between circumcised and uncircumcised boys. It is pleasing that there is debate on this topic as there are those who are “for skin” and those who are against.

Author's note: FGM vs male circumcision is a topic that my post-graduate friends (particularly the feminists) and I have discussed at length.  When the debate in the Express arose, I could not resist.

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