somemama
04-26-2003, 10:51 AM
A mama here recently asked about ideas for writing letters to the editor. Although this letter I wrote was written in response to another letter, I thought I would share it anyway, perhaps to give others ideas. I hope they publish my letter!
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"In the April 26th Public Forum, Toby Cox states, "There is no compelling medical reason for circumcision." He also states, "As a pediatrician, I frequently perform circumcisions." I would like to ask Dr. Cox why he performs unnecessary surgeries on helpless infants. Could a compelling reason be the money Dr. Cox receives for these unnecessary surgeries? No wonder he seems a little upset that Medicaid is no longer paying him to circumcise.
Dr. Cox advises discussing this issue with your spouse before the child is born. What other body parts should we "discuss" cutting off? The baby's eyelids? Parts of fingers? Isn't discussing any cutting of a healthy infant absolutely absurd? Parents should realize that most of the non-Muslim world does not circumcise.
The foreskin is a highly specialized, protective area of skin which should be left intact. I applaud Brooke Adams' original article which mentioned many wonderful resources for parents still confused about this issue. One book mentioned by Ms. Adams, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Circumcision," should be required reading for all expectant parents. In this book, Dr. Fleiss clears up issues that Dr. Cox has left unclear. "
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"In the April 26th Public Forum, Toby Cox states, "There is no compelling medical reason for circumcision." He also states, "As a pediatrician, I frequently perform circumcisions." I would like to ask Dr. Cox why he performs unnecessary surgeries on helpless infants. Could a compelling reason be the money Dr. Cox receives for these unnecessary surgeries? No wonder he seems a little upset that Medicaid is no longer paying him to circumcise.
Dr. Cox advises discussing this issue with your spouse before the child is born. What other body parts should we "discuss" cutting off? The baby's eyelids? Parts of fingers? Isn't discussing any cutting of a healthy infant absolutely absurd? Parents should realize that most of the non-Muslim world does not circumcise.
The foreskin is a highly specialized, protective area of skin which should be left intact. I applaud Brooke Adams' original article which mentioned many wonderful resources for parents still confused about this issue. One book mentioned by Ms. Adams, "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Circumcision," should be required reading for all expectant parents. In this book, Dr. Fleiss clears up issues that Dr. Cox has left unclear. "