Circumcision is a Women’s Issue

Mothers sign the majority of hospital circumcision consent forms

 

women

  • The infant’s primary relationship is with the mother. Circumcision trauma disrupts this relationship and leads to infant behaviors such as extended, inconsolable crying or emotional withdrawal. Mother’s interactions with her infant may be stressful and less rewarding. There are other potential adverse maternal emotional responses.
  • The maternal instincts and experiences of women uniquely qualify them for the important responsibility of caring for infants and protecting them from pain and harm.
  • Research demonstrates that women are generally more sensitive than men to the needs and feelings of infants, and newborn infants recognize, prefer, and are more responsive to their mothers.
  • Generally, because they are not themselves circumcised, females are not subject to the personal psychological motivations of circumcised men to perpetuate the practice (e.g., “I want him to look like me”).
  • According to a medical journal study, circumcision can adversely affect female sexual enjoyment.
  • Any adverse psychological consequences of circumcision on males may adversely affect male-female relationships.
  • Because of the prevalence of circumcision in the United States, some potential adverse psychological effects of circumcision on males (known/unknown) may have indirect adverse social effects on women.
  • Mothers sign the majority of hospital circumcision consent forms.

 

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