American hospital with very low circ rate (example)

[MarnieMax]

Another thread mentioned the effect of medicaid defunding on people's willingness to circ. Unfortunately, it does not always seem to be a deterrant, though it's certainly a step in the right direction in the sense that public funds can be used elsewhere.

I did come across a reference to a private hospital (Gifford Memorial) in central Vermont that has gotten its RIC rate down very low (under 1% or thereabouts). This, in spite of medicaid still funding RIC in Vermont, and other hospitals in the area (Rutland) still carrying on with neonatal circumcision (apparently).

Is anyone familiar with this region, and whether this apparent success story really is a success or parents just seek the circumcision later? Also, are there similar situations around the country, and what is the outcome? If a certain approach 'works' especially with relatively mainstream parents, then perahps it can be applied elsewhere.

Marnie

[veganf]

After living in VT for 8 years, I'd say there's just a different attitude there. I have guy friends who were born in VT back in the 70's who are intact, though a few guys I knew who were born just over the border in NH are circ'd. Go figure! Vermont's just a really easy going place in general. It also recently was rated as the "healthiest" state: http://www.morganquitno.com/hcrank06.htm

- Krista

[MarnieMax]

I'm not surprised, as it certainly fits my notion of the area. I have heard mixed things from New England: Connecticut seems heavily circ'd along with New Hampshire. I continue to be surprised that the rate in Massachusetts seems high, but maybe enducational efforts will spread the word. In the Bay Area there are certain communities where intactness is the norm (Berkeley, downtown San Francisco) and it's nice to hear of it happening elsewhere.

[Revamp]

For some reason I found San Fransisco being keen on circumcision hard to imagine...

That rate in Vermont really does seem low, can anyone provide some reasoning for that one?

[sohj]

Originally Posted by Revamp

That rate in Vermont really does seem low, can anyone provide some reasoning for that one?

Because the Gods of the Hills are not the Gods of the Valleys!

[MamaLouisa]

Hospital in WA that does not circ

Hiya peeps.
I just moved and was overjoyed to discover that my local hospital, Harrison in Silverdale WA. Does not circumcise babies at all. I understand this is because of liability concerns and happily WA enjoys a much smaller circ rate than many parts of the country. I would not be surprised however if individual drs perform the procedures in their offices...
Still, it struck me as a great start. As a doula I've seen that the longer parents delay the procedure the likelihood of them having it done declines... I can only hope they learn to love their babies penises just as they are.

[Revamp]

Great to hear!

I think that that is probably it, the more time they spend with in intact the less they reckon parts should be hacked away.