The Circumcision Decision

Circumcision has become one of the most heated discussions facing young families of baby boys. To cut or not to cut has fuelled many fierce debates within families, and social media is no stranger to this roaring fire. Instantly, that tiny piece of skin covering the tip of your baby’s penis is now everybody’s concern and people feel it’s their righteous duty to shame and ridicule you no matter what side of the fence you’re on.

In Canada, the overall rates of circumcision have been declining over the last few decades. This is likely due to the recommendation of the Canadian Paediatric Society who claim that the procedure is medically unnecessary.

While couples make this difficult decision together, it’s dad’s vote that tends to weigh on the heavier side. After all, he is the most familiar with the equipment and his own “snip-status” tends to be a major deciding factor.

Despite the trends, both team V-neck and team Turtleneck dads feel very strongly about their side of the field. A quick Facebook poll in my local dad group rounded up almost 200 votes in just a few hours. I asked if their sons were circumcised and what their top reason was. Just over half of the votes favoured the snip and their main reason was to have matching members in the household. Medical reasons, religion, and aesthetics combined to about 10 per cent of the cut vote.

Team Turtleneck’s top two motives were tied. Either dads decided to leave it be since they felt there is no real medical reason to go through with the procedure, or they were also driven to have their boys match their dad.

No matter how you slice it, getting the right information is key. Don’t rely solely on your Google search, outdated studies, or the choices your parents made. Talk to your physician, weigh the pros and cons, and make a choice based on facts, not emotions. This is your son, your family, and your choice.

Frank Emanuele is a proud father of two boys, a special education teacher, and a director of Dad Club London.