Latest Mothering issue on circ!

[Quirky]

Just got the new Mothering....circ is a cover story of their special pregnancy edition! Going to read it now - post impressions/opinions here!

[wendy1221]

Didn't get mine yet.

[bunniemunch]

where can u get one. i havent seen it locally

[Quirky]

I have a subscription but I have also seen them at Whole Foods, health food stores, and book stores around here like Barnes and Noble.

[Past_VNE]

Eep...I haven't gotten mine yet. Was it a good article?

[PuppyFluffer]

I have not gotten mine yet either!

[Quirky]

Well, maybe I shouldn't spoil the suspense.

OK, I will anyway. :LOL There are two articles, one by Karen Burka titled "Cutting Kids: Why the Pain of Circumcision Lasts Far Longer than the Procedure," and the other by Gussie Fauntleroy titled "Whose Decision Is It? The long-term legal implications of informed consent."

I think both are well-done; Burka's article covers

• procedure, risks, and pain;
• risks of circ;
• value of the foreskin (sensory and immunological) and restoration;
• medical myths of circ;
• disputed links to cancer;
• fact that AAP and other medical organizations don't recommend circ;
• ethical and legal concerns, including mention of MGM bill and Montagu resolution;
• cost in dollars and Van Howe study on cost-utility analysis;
• MANY great references, notes, websites

It doesn't cover the AIDS controversy but does refer the reader to CIRP.

I think the Burka article is straightforward - a great intro to the subject for anyone who might not be familiar with the issue, hits all the important points, well-referenced. It doesn't discuss religious circ but it does include references to Catholics Against Circ, Jews Against Circ, Goldman's book, etc.

I am more excited about the second article by Fauntleroy for throwing down the gauntlet to the medical profession on informed consent. It examines the requirements for informed consent and the fact that infant circumcision is the treated in a category of its own of not really being a surgery requiring such consent. It summarizes the Flatt v. Kantak and Stowell cases.

What I like about both of these articles is that they are NOT wishy-washy or subject to multiple interpretations (unlike Peggy's recent editorial). They are very clearly a condemnation of circ.

[susienjay]

My subscription to Mothering ran out over a year ago so I had to make a trip to Borders just to buy the current issue. I agree with everything above. I was really very impressed. I thought the second article that spent a lot of time talking about informed consent was the best part. That's one area is starting to get more attention and it is really hard for anyone procirc to ignore.

The main story in the magazine is about breastfeeding and it's myths. The circ article then starts on the next page. :LOL I think it would be a great issue to give as a gift to a new parent because has a good basic breastfeeding article as well as the circ article. There's a cosleeping article in there too but I haven't read it yet. That looked good too.

[wendy1221]

Did everybody get their magazines yet? I live in IN. I still haven't gotten mine. We moved a few months ago, but I'm sure I updated my address... I hope I didn't forget to renew...

[Past_VNE]

I updated my address a few months ago, had to have them re-send the last two issues and still haven't gotten this one.

[Quirky]

Oh, and the breastfeeding myths article was written by Fleiss and Hodges!

[mnnice]

nak i thought both articles were real good. it was great to hear that RIC rates are declining quickly.

[MamaTT]

I just gave this mag to a pregnant friend whom I am working on wrt circ. I barely had a second to glance over it before giving it, so I am relieved to hear it is a good start! I also let her borrow Gentle Birth Choices, which I think has a pretty good anti-circ stance.

Now, I hope she actually reads it and takes it to heart.

[Lula's Mom]

I got mine in the mail yesterday and took it to the play area at the mall so I could read it while my daughter ran around. Great articles! A lot of info all at once; I hope it won't make my sister's eyes glaze over when I give it to her.

One funny thing: I was reading the second page of one circ article with the 3rd page folded open behind it, kwim? When I went to read the 3rd page, I realized I had been displaying two baby penis illustrations to all of the moms in the play area...

[Eman'smom]

I bought 2. Mailed on to sis, and kept one, great all around.

[susienjay]

Originally Posted by Lula's Mom

One funny thing: I was reading the second page of one circ article with the 3rd page folded open behind it, kwim? When I went to read the 3rd page, I realized I had been displaying two baby penis illustrations to all of the moms in the play area...

I had the magazine out and my 2 oldest kids saw the penis illustrations. They were looking them over so I explained the difference. My 7yo was visibly upset and my 5yo was like you better not do that to Jay. Why do children understand things so much better than adults sometimes?

[heket]

I'm so glad someone mentioned it because I've let my subscription go. Looks like I'm going to be making a trip to the bookstore tomorrow...

[Past_VNE]

hmmm....what months does this issue cover? I just checked out my most recent copy and it's may/june. I think I'm missing one AND haven't gotten the new one.

[baybee]

I mostly just read this forum but I need to tell all of you that I am totally inspired by your passion for ending circumcision. Thank you for being there and carrying this torch. Thank you for all the education and sharing that you do. Thanks for the difference you make.
Baybee

[Quirky]

Aww, thanks!