This is such a major topic and everyone has a different opinion. All kinds of statistics get dragged about to support one argument or the other. Ultimately, in my opinion, I think it's barbaric and I'd never suggest that anyone does it. It's making a major decision for your child without his input. It's a horrific act especially if it's done for reasons such as religion or, even worse, 'because daddy looks like that' or 'but everyone else I know has had it done'. That's not a very good justification at all.

I would say that it's up to you, as the parent, in most cases, anything to do with your child is, but should such a decision really be up to you? Altering the genitalia of someone should really only be done with consent, shouldn't it?

But as I say, everyone has very strong opinions on this and in the end, everyone thinks they are right.

One thing, as a woman, I think you and others should consider. Let's say you were born in another part of the world where Female circumcision or other genitalia altering practices were common place. Would you have wanted your parents to have influence over the working of your sexual organs because society, peer pressure, their need for you to conform or family history dictated they should?

If there is a sound medical argument, (and sometimes there is in a small number of cases) then that's a medical decision (not cultural) and the correct decision. If one argues that it's less likely the child might get HIV or other diseases, well that argument may stand up if your child is born in sub Saharan Africa but not in the UK. That's what condoms are for!

Again, you could be here all day with this subject, that's just my input as a Man

Also, I do have a link to videos of children being circumcised, (I had to write about this once, I don't just have a weird fascination with the area) but I won't post it here. You might, if you are thinking about circumcising your child, want to take a look at the actual process of what happens. Some are fine with it, others squirm but it would be good for you to fully understand what happens.

One last point, I interviewed someone about this, they offered the argument that he was circumcised, that all the men in his family were and he didn't want the child to look different. He also had a tattoo as did others in his family. Why not tattoo the baby I asked? "Well, that should be a decision the child makes, we don't have the right to change his appearance".

Everyone obviously has their own opinions on it and is entirely up to the parents themselves.

I would however not call it "barbaric" as people actually have to have this done because they have problems with their genitals and not only because of religion.

I completely agree with Cupcake's comments.

I wouldn't do that to my little boy I don't think. Theres no point in our situation... none of my family are religious, and unless theres some sort of medical reason I dont really see the point.

I dont think its as common in the UK either as it is in other parts of the world either, I guess it just depends on your beliefs

xxx

I am having a little girl, so this doesn't really apply to me! But if I was having a little boy then I would not have him circumcised. I think that it has got to hurt, and it there is no real reason to have it done. I think that as long as you keep him clean then hygiene wise there is no point, and also if it is a tradition in his family I don't see this as being a valid reason either. He is your baby boy as well, so you should have a say. If you don't feel comfertable having it done, then don't have it done. My opinion is that it shouldn't be done unless advised. xx

Honestly I have left the decision up to my husband. If we do have a boy he doesn't want him to be circumcised.

how many men in families compare their parts? I'm sure my brother and my Dad and uncles havent swapped notes!!

If my LO turns out to be a boy, we will have him circumsized, because my family is Jewish. This doesn't mean, however, that I don't agree with some of your points about not doing it and letting the child decide when he is ready. I am big on tradition, however, so I have to go with my religion.

Being circumcised is definately not as common in the UK. I doubt me and my OH will even speak about it. I'm not fussed and I'm sure my boyfriend isn't either. Personal choice I guess

Since I don't have a penis, and my DH does, he has already decided that if we have a boy it will not be done. It just is not necessary.