Hacker News Reader

Comment by moshei | Hacker News Reader

Calling this mutilation is absurd, I am circumcised and so is my son - it was way more traumatic for me seeing, then it was for him feeling t - many babies do not even cry.

I suggest you do a little more research on what genital mutilation really means in the 3rd world, circumcision is no worse than some injections by comparison.

There is a very valid medical reason for this - it prevents sexually transmitted diseases [1] - So much so that it is promoted for adult males by health organizations. n the other hand, the foreskin serves absolutely no medical purpose.

Most reputable mohels (specially trained people who conduct the circumcision) will use a tube to suck the blood to prevent any chance of infection.

[1] http://www.who.int/hiv/topics/malecircumcision/en/

View on HN

That link had already been posted: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14292131

Also, whether something is mutilation or not is about more than how much it hurts when it's done. In this case a child is deprived of a part of their body that performs a clear biological function.

I would disagree that the foreskin performs an essential biological function, and by the dictionary definition that would not make it mutilation.

I said clear, not essential. Your pinky finger also does not perform an essential biological function, i.e. you can keep on living without it. But it performs a clear one, providing more grip strength and options.

Please link to the dictionary definition you're using.

http://www.dictionary.com/browse/mutilation

( If you're responding quickly, click the time link to get a reply field. )

From the definition: "make imperfect by removing or irreparably damaging parts" Cutting off the foreskin entirely fulfills that description.

I suggest you look at this: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs241/en/

Using the term mutilation when it is most often used in that context is absurd.

Mutilation has a clear meaning in the dictionary and its application here is perfectly fine.

So if a girl gets FGM and doesnt cry its ok? Are you insane? So if one is induced with anesthesia and they cut your arm off its ok then? MGM = FGM, and you denied a child a choice when there was no immediate danger. I wish I had the choice. I had the cahones to let me son remain un-mutilated and if he dislikes it so much he can lop it off. Think for yourself. Question authority.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com