Neonatal circumcision

Circumcision is an elective surgical procedure performed on male neonates, but a procedure that may be elected by parents and medical personnel on less than adequate information. In this review paper, the authors explore the history of circumcision as a practice, as well as the arguments for and against its continuation as a “routine” practice. The authors conclude that the health and social or personal reasons for circumcision may not be based on sound judgments, nor applicable to the general public. Thus there is a strong case made for careful counselling of parents by health education and professional medical staff members of clinics, hospitals, and other health-care settings.