Friday, July 19, 2013

Attachment Parenting and Circumcision

My son, perfect as he was born.
Earlier this week, I wrote about the Attachment Parenting (AP) philosophy, clarifying that Attachment
Parenting is a general philosophy of gentle, respectful, responsive, positive, balanced parenting; not a strict list of musts and must nots. Almost immediately, comments on the post turned to the topic of circumcision, with several parents declaring that circumcision is incompatible with Attachment Parenting.

Before I go any further, let me make one thing clear:

I am opposed to routine infant circumcision (RIC).

I have come to this position after very thorough research on the risks and benefits of both circumcision and of leaving a penis intact, in its natural state.

I advocate for the rights of all humans to bodily autonomy, and I am opposed to the practice of permanently altering the genitals of another person as a cosmetic or non-medically-indicated procedure without that person's consent.

I am opposed to routine infant circumcision.
I practice attachment parenting.

These two statements are not automatically true of every intactivist and every AP parent. The decision to circumcise one's child does not exclude them from the "Attachment Parent" label. There are very loving, very attached parents who decided to circumcise their children. Some of them regret the decision after learning more. Some do not. There are parents who are absolutely not practicing attachment parenting who have intact children. Attachment Parenting International does not declare a stance on circumcision, but includes it under the "Prepare for pregnancy, birth, and parenting" umbrella and encourages parents to thoroughly research the decision.

From Attachment Parenting International's Leader Guidelines:

Presenting other topics not directly related to Attachment Parenting (AP) should be avoided. When issues such as diapering options, homebirth, home schooling, circumcision, vaccinations, specific diets, etc. come up during a discussion, the leader should state that API takes no stance on these issues, but encourages parents to educate themselves to make informed decisions about them. Literature about various options may be made available after the meeting. Books on these topics may be included in the group’s library. Above all, parents need to feel accepted, and peripheral issues should not be allowed to distract from our focus on AP. [emphasis mine]

I am opposed to routine infant circumcision, not because it is an attachment parenting issue, but because it is a human rights issue. I encourage my fellow attachment parenting advocates who are also intactivists to avoid excluding parents of circumcised children from the AP philosophy. Doing so only further perpetuates the idea that AP is an exclusive club made up of strict guidelines that one is required to adhere to. It alienates parents who might otherwise be open to hearing the arguments against RIC and making different decisions for their future children. (Read how one woman chose to leave her second son intact despite intactivists HERE.)

Please, continue to fight the good fight, as I will, against RIC, but don't do it at the expense of Attachment Parenting. Focus instead on basic human rights. Focus instead on the risks of circumcision and on the benefits of the intact penis. Focus instead on the functions of the foreskin that are lost with circumcision. It is by education, and not by alienation, that we will continue to see infant circumcision rates in the US falling year after year.

For more information on circumcision:

Top 10 Reasons to Leave your son Intact
My Doctor Says my Son Needs to be Circumcised
Commentary on AAP's 2012 Circumcision Policy Statement
What is the Foreskin?
Collection of Research on Circumcision


54 comments:

  1. I have found that you can't beat price of honest diapers and the best thing is that they show up on my door step often in less than a week!!!!!!!! No tax and no shipping.
    honest company

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are able to keep track of a cellular phone along with the actions with this phone in various ways.best spy applications

    ReplyDelete
  3. He trusted the first idea allowed an excessive number of forces to the parenting organizer and insufficient court supervision. Kids After Separation

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have used a lot of juicers in the past and I created this blog to help juice lovers make the right decision in choosing the type of juicer that best fit their needs. There are several good masticating juicers to choose from.  Hair dyeing while pregnant

    ReplyDelete
  6. Family court is an intriguing spot to specialize in legal matters. It is where the most critical individuals in our lives, the very texture of our identity, are influenced by each choice, each activity, and each inability to act.How Many Crib Sheets Do I Need

    ReplyDelete
  7. When I first married, I didn't realize there was a 50 percent chance that my marriage would end in divorce. Deborah Braud

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is not an easy task for every parent to caring out their baby, as the baby is the 1st priority for every parent that's why every parent is looking for do the best care of their baby, they do everything for their baby happiness and health. By reading this website you will be able to learn the best secret about successful parenting which will help you to do the best care for your baby.

    ReplyDelete
  9. One present why galore businesses opt for postcards is because they are overmuch cheaper to be prefab and this can forbear a lot of expenses on the lengthened run.  baby headphones

    ReplyDelete
  10. http://www.parentingcares.com/2016/03/sex-of-my-baby-getting-baby-i-desire.html?showComment=1530617680752#c7199188444973681021 best double jogging stroller

    ReplyDelete
  11. Be that as it may, the need to determine those rights just emerges when things turn out badly in families and in child-serving organizations. Free coloring pages

    ReplyDelete
  12. Its primary manifestation is the child's campaign of denigration against a parent, a campaign that has no justification. It results from the combination of programming (brainwashing) by the other parent and the child's own contributions to the vilification of the targeted parent."nappy bags

    ReplyDelete
  13. reminiscing with tiffany lamps, muted prints, and rich colors. The subtly patterned chenille of Chantal is a soft and feminine alternative to the streamlined presentation of their usual fare fashion mummy maternity nappy bag

    ReplyDelete
  14. Guardians work extended periods and kids endure. Never put cash kids or your life partner, not in the event that you need a cherishing relationship and an astounding life. white noise machine for baby

    ReplyDelete
  15. Notwithstanding characterizing who is a parent can be entangled. With surrogate birth and planned impregnation, characterizing a mother and a dad can be muddled.Diono rainier booseter car seat for toddlers

    ReplyDelete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Definitely, this article is extremely wonderful and assistive for new parents. I think, parents who look for best parenting books should visit this site and should read article on it for best parenting tips as I got many sumptuous tips right on time when I needed the tips to make my children healthy.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Major thankies for the post.Really thank you! Want more. teenage therapy

    ReplyDelete
  19. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post.
    triple stroller

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wahid-Uddin Mahmud Celebrity Profile - Check out the latest Wahid-Uddin Mahmud photo gallery, biography, pics, pictures, interviews, news, forums and blogs at Legend of Bangladesh!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Loni Anderson Celebrity Profile - Check out the latest Loni Anderson photo gallery, biography, pics, pictures, interviews, news, forums and blogs at Celebrity Ping!

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is an awesome article a debt of gratitude is in order for sharing this enlightening data. I will visit your site consistently for some most recent post. I will visit your website consistently for Some most recent post. Parenting

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello! I just would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the good data you’ve right here on this post. I shall be coming back to your blog for extra soon. The Wife Choice

    ReplyDelete
  24. I have seen some great stuff here. Worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a great informative website. Your work is truly appreciated around the clock and the globe. black leather diaper bag

    ReplyDelete
  25. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  26. i never know the use of adobe shadow until i saw this post. thank you for this! this is very helpful. mommy blog

    ReplyDelete
  27. Certainly completely with your conclusions and imagine that you’ve made some excellent points. Also, I like design of one’s site plus the ease of navigation. I’ve bookmarked your site and may return often! South African lifestyle

    ReplyDelete
  28. Since an ever increasing number of families are battling monetarily, it is very normal that the two guardians need to work, making child care an appealing choicemiranda child care

    ReplyDelete
  29. I Have Read Your Article its Amazing Thanks For Sharing Your Knowledge..
    Best Truglo Bow Sights

    ReplyDelete
  30. This was a truly awesome challenge and ideally I can go to the following one. It was alot of fun and I truly had a ball..  babyish Hub

    ReplyDelete
  31. Parents work extended periods of time and kids endure. Never put cash kids or your life partner, not in the event that you need a cherishing relationship and an astounding life.Essential skills for your child’s success

    ReplyDelete
  32. This is very important so you need to make a plan for it. Sometimes the room you might want to place the toddler bunk bed may take care of sleepover friends or it is used for storage of certain items. kids house bed

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thank you for such helpful blog.The effectiveness of Adult Diapers for managing incontinence in men depends on the features they provide. Since everyone encompasses a unique problem to accommodate, it's important to contemplate their particular needs when choosing adult diapers for men. If you prefer to shop for adult diapers for your grandparents or for somebody who accommodate incontinence then you'll be able to buy from Trusty Care.

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is very useful blog.If you have got older people in your house and that they are terrified of passing urine in clothes, then it might be good, if you suggest them to use adult diapers. Purchase Adult Pull UP Diapers Singapore from the leading digital store like Trusty Care, from here you'll be able to buy adult diapers at an occasional price. For more information, you need to definitely check our website.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Really informative and valuable blog, keep sharing, I will make sure to be reading your blog more
    New Excellence Canvas Pte Ltd is a well-known and trusted supplier of Big Umbrella Singapore to their clients at an inexpensive price. If you have an open field in your house and you want a corner that can give you protection from bad climate conditions, then you should install a big umbrella and enjoy the natural surroundings.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Really informative and valuable blog, keep sharing, I will make sure to be reading your blog more
    It is very important for people who are worried about Loss of bowel control; they have to start the use of high-quality Adult Diapers so that they do not feel embarrassed in society. Do not compare the size with the capacity of absorbency. Select the product that needs your body’s needs.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Very interesting article i really appreciate it.
    adult diapers Singapore

    ReplyDelete
  38. Very interesting article, this is just the information I am finding everywhere.
    Would you wish to shop for adult diapers singapore for your grandparents? If yes, then you ought to get involved with Trusty Care. Here, you may find good quality adult diapers which are very helpful in preventing heavy leakage of urine. Before buying our company adult diaper you ought to understand your perfect size so that you are doing not have any problem while wearing it.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Very intresting blog, nice information shared, thank you
    adult diapers

    ReplyDelete
  40. very good content, thank you for sharing with us.
    Adult Diapers Singapore assured you leaks don't stand in the way of you living your life. Build with the softest of materials, thick core padding offers superior absorbency and a plastic exterior to shield you from odors and leaks. Our commodity is designed to provide full coverage of all your problem areas.

    ReplyDelete
  41. This is awesome article thank you for sharing with us.
    Trusty Care provides complete protection from leaks both day and night. You can also relax soundly, knowing that our total coverage briefs provide just the absorbency you require. Our Adult diapers are manufactured with a soft and comfortable material that is highly absorbent in nature. Don’t waste your time. Visit the website to know more about the products.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks for sharing this interesting article, I really appreciate it.
    Pull up Adult Diapers Singapore is basically diaper pants with elastic bands. They are constructed from the same material as diapers, but the biggest difference is that they can be pulled up and down like underwear. They are effortless on the skin and made from breathable material, and they are effortless to use, easy to wear and take off.

    ReplyDelete
  43. this is very nice blog Adult Diapers Singapore comes in different sizes and styles to suit the needs of the wearer. Trusty Care produces Different style of diapers is meant to be used on different occasions or times of the day. We designed overnight diapers for long hours of usage and have high absorbency levels, thereby minimizing the chances of leakage

    ReplyDelete
  44. Very interesting article, I really appreciate it.
    New Excellence Canvas Pte Ltd is a well-known company that provides a wide choice of high-quality items at a reasonable price to its loyal clients. If you are seeking for the firm that provides Canvas rental Singapore, then visit our firm at once. Our mission is to give exceptional service and quality items to all of our clients.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Amazing post..very nice info. Thanks for sharing.The majority of individuals nowadays suffer from incontinence. If you're having the same problem, go to Trusty Care and buy Bed Underpads Singapore without hesitation. This is a fantastic location that provides individuals with high-quality diapers at reasonable costs. People can be comfortable all day if they use these diapers.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Very nice blog, thanks for providing such important information in this blog Incontinence products like Underpads Singapore are available in a very big selection of forms and sizes, each with its own set of advantages. It’s available in an exceeding range of sizes to fit your requirements and tastes. Adult diapers are beneficial for those that have incontinence issues, likewise for those that are intellectually and physically challenged and have a tough time cleaning their bladder.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...