Posted on 07/16/2004 8:42:13 AM PDT by presidio9
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- For most little boys, circumcision is a decision for the parents to make. But the Missouri Supreme Court may make that decision for one local boy because his parents don't agree.
Two-and-a-half-year-old Ethan Azar's mother does not want to have him circumcised.
"There's no medical society in the world that recommends it, including the American Academy of Pediatrics," said Camille Azar.
But Ethan's father was recently granted sole custody. He wants his son circumcised. While the boy's father and his attorney would not appear on camera, they did cite personal, social and health reasons for wanting the circumcision, KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported.
Circumcision removes the layer of skin covering the penis. It is something more and more parents are opting not to do, Eckerman said. The medical community calls it a personal decision.
"Everyone has their bias. But we try to base recommendations on sound medical evidence and it just isn't there to say yes or no," Dr. Ken Wible said.
Lower courts refused to intervene, so the case is now going to the Missouri Supreme Court to see if Ethan's father should be able to go ahead with the circumcision.
"The fact the courts have ruled he can make medical decisions doesn't mean he can make a decision to have part of the healthy living flesh of the child cut off," said Dennis Owens, Camille Azar's attorney.
Doctors did tell KMBC that Ethan's age is a factor.
"At that age, a child is going to need anesthesia," Wible said.
Camille Azar said that the decision should be up to her son when he's older.
"I want Ethan to make the decision about his own body," Camille Azar said.
Eckerman said that religion plays a role in some families' decisions about circumcision, but that has not been an issue here. The battle over Ethan's circumcision comes in the middle of a custody battle. A decision from the state's high court is expected within two weeks.
Agreed and not just in the custody battle--sounds like previous arguments in the marriage--good grief. Leave the little guy the way he is and get on with their lives!
It sounds as though you haven't read or done any research on this topic in the past 30 years and are reciting an old wive's tale. Neuroanatomy debunked those myths many years ago. If the nerves aren't developed, why do you think they use local anesthesia?
Yours is a rather odd opinion, if you ask me.
Incidentally, there's a correlation between circumcision and 'deviant behaviors', including homosexuality.
Can you provide a source that substantiates this?
It sounds like you've got problems of your own, Ace. Seek help.
That's a reach.
LOL, good line, but I wonder if women ever get anything done? :)
No problem here, Sport. Thanks for your input.
Strong facial muscles
Glenn sure doesn't sound much like the "life of the party" type. I really hate it when busybodies like him take it upon themselves to tell others what they should or shouldn't laugh at.
Maybe Glen needs more oral...oops wrong thread.
Just recently get yours done?
Maybe I should have moved to New York years ago. :)
None of your business, perv.
Eh... you may not want some of these NY chicks pushy snobby broads.
Wrong.
A lot of guys then...
Doh!
I don't imagine Dad was settling the custody issue while she was in the delivery room.
At birth time, mom's in full control ... regardless of what may happen later.
LOL, I think you missed my point, I will have to reply in FReep mail.
Trying to absolutely confirm your total lack of a sense of humor?
share with everyone why don't you ;-)
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