Halls of Shame for Hospitals
From Peaceful Beginnings
See current Mayo Clinic website article in case they correct it later:
As of May 5 2008, the article is at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/circumcision/PR00040 [1]
If that link changes, go here: http://www.mayoclinic.com [2] and search for circumcision.
The article presents an arguably weak attempt being balanced by stating this:
"Opinions are mixed
"For some parents, circumcision is a religious ritual. It can also be a matter of family tradition, personal hygiene or preventive health care. For others, however, the procedure seems unnecessary or disfiguring.
"In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy statement that says the benefits aren't strong enough to recommend routine circumcision for all male newborns. Today, the AAP leaves the decision up to parents — and supports use of pain relief for infants who have the procedure.''
"But then later it states these misleading and grasping-at-straws arguments:
"...Circumcision doesn't affect fertility, nor is circumcision thought to enhance or detract from sexual pleasure for men or their partners...."
"The benefits
"Circumcision may have health benefits, including:
"Easier hygiene. Circumcision makes it easy to wash the penis — although it's simple to clean an uncircumcised penis, too.
"Decreased risk of urinary tract infections. The risk of urinary tract infections in the first year is low, but these infections may be up to 10 times as common in uncircumcised baby boys. Severe infections early in life can lead to kidney problems later on.
"Prevention of penile problems. Occasionally, the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis may be difficult or impossible to retract (phimosis). This can also lead to inflammation of the head of the penis.
"Decreased risk of penile cancer. Although cancer of the penis is rare, it's less common in circumcised men.
Decreased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Safe sexual practices remain essential, but circumcised men may have a slightly lower risk of certain sexually transmitted diseases — including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
