A question about circ. consent

[emma1325]

Just curious - what if one parent says yes to circumcision and the other says no? Can either of them sign the consent form and get it done?

(Luckily I'll never have to worry about this since my husband and I are both pro-foreskin.)

[serendipity22]

Can either of them sign the consent form and get it done?

Yes, which is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs.

The couple might not be getting along, one might do it to spite the other.

Requiring the consent of both could lead to more research.

The circumcision industry is against consent of both needed, that would mean fewer circumcisions.

[emma1325]

Originally Posted by serendipity22

Can either of them sign the consent form and get it done?

Yes, which is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs.

The couple might not be getting along, one might do it to spite the other.

Requiring the consent of both could lead to more research.

The circumcision industry is against consent of both needed, that would mean fewer circumcisions.

So what happens when, say, Mom says no but Dad says do it? Doctor would ignore Mom's request to leave it alone?

[KristyDi]

To piggyback on the op's question, Are the rules for parental consent the same for circ as they are for other medical procedures? (like to put tubes in ears or laser treatment to reduce birthmarks)

[thixle]

If mother delivers baby in the hospital, only the mother has the right to consent until release... Unless she is unable, then it will go to next-of-kin, which would be the father, if the parents are married. If unmarried, consent goes to specified person or next-of-kin.

After release from the hospital, the father (on the birth certificate) and mother have equal rights to consent.

Yes, the rules are same for all medical procedures. Next-of-kin (or court appointed person) has all rights to consent for a minor or incapacitated adult. Mother and father are equals as next-of-kin.

[eepster]

A mother can consent to it even if the dad says "no." We once had a poster who's brother didn't want his baby circ'd but his wife did, and the Dr went ahead and did it even though the dad stated he did want it to happen.

ETA: This was the thread I was talking about
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=721516

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

In the majority of hospitals only the mom can consent to it. Once they leave the hospital the dad can take the child and have it done.

[onelilguysmommy]

Originally Posted by thixle

If mother delivers baby in the hospital, only the mother has the right to consent until release... Unless she is unable, then it will go to next-of-kin, which would be the father, if the parents are married. If unmarried, consent goes to specified person or next-of-kin.

After release from the hospital, the father (on the birth certificate) and mother have equal rights to consent.

Yes, the rules are same for all medical procedures. Next-of-kin (or court appointed person) has all rights to consent for a minor or incapacitated adult. Mother and father are equals as next-of-kin.

This.

[justKate]

[momongeon]

I just check our policy and procedure on circ and it mentions obtaining consent from a parent. It did not say specifically Mom. We have had times where the baby was put up for adoption and one of the adoptive parents (in one case both male) signs the consent. If the baby is premature and/or needs general surgery either parent can sign consent even if it is in the immediate postpartum period. I would assume circ is the same way. I would think like everything else, it could be done differently in other places but that is how it works here. The thing is that if an OB (they do almost all the circ here) knows his/her patient does not want a circ for her son they will not even approach the father for consent. In my opinion it would be unethical to do it in that case and the ethics board should be consulted.