The Doctor Insisted

Posting Date: 03/01/1999

John: I didn?t have a child until I was 37. The morning after my son was born, I was in the hospital room holding him and a doctor came in and said it was time for his circumcision. I wasn?t even consulted. I refused and we almost came to blows. The pediatrician even told me the boy would wind up having to deal with adult circumcision because of my refusal.

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Dr. Dean: Oh, lord. I guess all we can do is hope this attitude will change. Let me read you what the American Academy of Pediatrics is now saying. This just came out today. It reads: "Parents should not be coerced by medical professionals to make this choice." There?s been an lack of leadership in American medicine on this issue that can be very frustrating. Maybe things are finally turning around.

John: I?ve listened to your show since you went on the air so I knew I didn?t want my son circumcised. Here?s another thing. I?m circumcised and I?ve heard arguments that my son will notice the differences and perhaps be worried about it. Well, my boy?s eight now and often jumps in the shower with me. He?s never once said anything and I don?t think it bothers him.

Dr. Dean: Of course not. I?ve had the same experience. It?s a crazy argument. I mean, if the dad?s bald, do you shave the boy?s hair off so they look the same? Of course not. Thanks for your call, John. It always makes me feel good to know somebody?s seen the light.