Circumcision

[SouthAfricanmuminUK]

I was thoroughly abused by several English mums of my acquaintance for having my sons circumcised at birth. Although I did my research and found it to be better from a number of perspectives, nothing would convince them it was reasonable. I am wondering if they will retract their accusations now that it has been revealed that Diana, saintliest of all mothers, had both her boys circumcised ...

A few points.

It looks objectively worse! Come on, be serious now.

The only reason it's not illegal like fgm is because it's practised by Jews and it would be a bad look on governments to come across as anti semitic.

Ahhh, so OP wants us to discuss the circumcision of little boys' penises because she thinks it "looks better", and wants us to see her photo of her artfully stained 'Reasons Why Circumcision Isn't A Barbaric Practice, Akin to Female Genital Mutilation'. Interesting...🙄

Actually there are 4 categories of FGM.
One is Clitoridectomy. That is, cutting off the clitoral hood or clitoris itself. The clitoral hood removal would be closest to MGM otherwise known as circumcision. It's still FGM.
Next up is Excision. Partial or total removal of the clitoris and the inner labia. This can also include removal of the outer labia.
Next is Infibulation. Narrowing the vaginal opening (usually sewing) partially or in extreme cases, fully. That doesn't end well.
Another is any harmful modification to the female genitals by cutting, cauterising, sewing etc.

Thought it was mutilation before PH spilling the beans. Still think it’s mutilation now. Unless medically necessary then let them make their own minds up when they’re old enough. I can’t imagine many men actually want it doing once they’re old enough unless for religious reasons

It significantly reduces sexual pleasure for men - The glans is supposed to be protected and kept moist, not exposed to contact with underwear and to dry out.

Though I don't know how anybody can past the fact that you're chopping part of your baby boy's penis off. And if you can (WTF is wrong with you), the wound will repeatedly scab over including drying onto the nappy which means that the scab will be ripped off from the baby boy's penis every nappy change for a while. FFS what is wrong with people who will put their infant through that, instead of let them decide for themselves when they are old enough.

I don't care if it's a random mumsnetter or Diana, it's abhorrent.

I had to have my son circumcised at aged 2 for medical reasons..I cried so much at the thought of what was being done to him. I remember there being families there having it gone to their children for non medical reasons..I couldn't get my head around it!! It is a form of mutilation and should be banned for non medical reasons!

Unless for medical reasons then no, not necessary. I don't even support religious reasons. Cosmetic reasons are just BS, frankly. Teach your boys to wash it properly.

‘found it to be better’ what than other forms of abuse? 🙄

Um no i didn't think to mutilate my child's bits because I couldn't be arsed to teach basic hygiene.
A decision that should be made for (rare) medical reasons, it's not bloody cosmetic.

Any mutilation of a child is abhorrent.
And , dare I say, tattooing and ear piercing on children.

@stressedmumof5 hugs to you. I'm willing to put money on the fact that not a single one of us saying it's barbaric would judge you in the slightest. Your children had a medical procedure for medical reasons. Xxx

All this does is make me think less of Princess Diana, but I guess she had her sons at a time where there was less research and information. She was likely swayed by the AIDS epidemic and probably (incorrectly) believed that she was acting in the best interests of her children. There’s no reason to be acting like the ignorance of a respected person many decades ago is an excuse to continue barbaric and abusive practices now.

Bless you and your son. That must have been incredibly difficult for you. I don’t think anyone is applying any judgement to you. My DS needed a lumbar puncture - absolutely necessary for medical reasons but utterly barbaric if someone did it for any other reason. In general, medical treatment without cause is abusive - your situation with your son was obviously not the same and I’m sorry you both went through that.

I've never seen an penis that has been circumcised. Would I know if I had?

They look a bit like a Richmond sausage in my experience.

@Chickenly the Aids epidemic became known in the mid-80s. PW was brón in the early 80s so I don't think it was that. As I said in my previous comment, which most seem to have missed, is that it is/was a Royal Family thing...

No I can still say I think cutting off a bit of a babies genitals for no good reason is grim - the fact that the royals did it as a matter of class makes it all the more vile. It wasn't even a religious belief. It should only ever be done if medically necessary. I don't see how the 'benefits' (which could also be gained by good hygiene practices and condoms) outweigh the potential risks of complications such as urine retention, infection from the wound site, future sexual dysfunction, loss of sensation, pain, fistulas and in the very worst cases amputation of the glans head or even death. (Admittedly a rare complication but not a risk I'd be happy to take for no reason).

In my opinion which abv counts for nothing,

Why cut off something your body has produced- it's their for a reason isn't it. We haven't evolved to not having one so why take it away?

I don't agree with it

@WindscreenWipe maybe I have seen one I just didn't know! And didnt want to ask because I was a bit younger.

A full double mastectomy can drastically reduce the chances of a female developing breast cancer. Boobs aren't absolutely necessary, especially considering there is formula widely available. You also won't suffer from under boob sweat rashes (it's cleaner!), a bad back from too large a cleavage, and of course, bras would not be required, saving you a fortune. Might be a good idea to start advocating for pre-teen mastectomies.

@Grimchmas @Chickenly
Thank you!
I know I won't be Judged as it was for medical reasons..my poor boy could barely pee 🤣 this was 23 years ago now. I was just agreeing with the majority that to have it done to a child for non medical reasons is barbaric. It should be a child's right to choose when they are old enough to make that kind of decision.

My DH has explained. No I've never seen one in real life lol

Did they really 'thoroughly abuse you' or did they just express a difference of opinion would be my first question.
You are entitled to your opinion but the majority of British people feel unless there's a medical need leave well alone. Some consider it abusive. I'd guess the discussion got heated as you insisted you were right when it might have been better to agree to differ.

I have limited interest in William and Harry atm, and their foreskins (or lack of) even less. If this is your trump card you're going to be bitterly disappointed with the outcome.
You do as you feel is right for your children (staying within the law).