Date: Wed, 15 Feb 1995 10:29:52 -0500
From: CircInfoNe@aol.com
Subject: Action Alertus Maximus, 95.02.15


Thanks to typist George Hill

                        BABY TALK FAX POLL, [February 1995 issue]

                TO CIRCUMCISE OR NOT TO CIRCUMCISE...
                     TELL US ABOUT YOUR DECISION

        Unless culture or religion dictates your decision, you and your
partner will most likely discuss whether or not to have your newborn baby boy
circumcised.
        Circumcision is an elective surgical process in which the foreskin
of the penis is removed.  It is performed shortly after birth, rarely with
anesthesia, and usually takes about 15 minutes.  The pros:  The penis is
easier to keep clean, there is less risk of urinary-tract infections and
penile cancer and the son will "look like Dad" if the father was
circumcised.  The cons:  Parents worry that the procedure is painful, is an
unnecessary medical expense that may not be covered by insurance, and there
is a chance, though slight, of complications.
        If you are expecting a child, or if you have had a son within the
last two years, please tell us what factors relate to your decision.

Please answer the following questions

1a. IF YOU HAVE A BOY, DO YOU INTEND TO CIRCUMCISE HIM:

                yes             no

1b  IF YOU HAD A BOY, DID YOU HAVE HIM CIRCUMCISED:

                yes             no

2.  ALTHOUGH SEVERAL FACTORS MAY HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR DECISION, PLEASE
CHECK THE MAIN REASON FOR YOUR CHOICE:

        Religious/cultural reasons

        Consider it the standard thing to do

        Concern about cleanliness

        Procedure too painful

        Not covered by insurance

        Wouldn't look like Dad (Dad is circumcised)

        Wouldn't look like Dad (Dad is uncircumcised)

        Concern about future infection/disease

3. WHICH COMMENT BELOW BEST DESCRIBES HOW YOU REACHED YOUR DECISION:
   (Please check only one.)

        There was never any question about our decision.

        We were both undecided, but come to a mutual agreement.

        We disagreed; father's point of view prevailed

        We disagreed; mother's point of view prevailed

4.  IF YOU HAVE MORE TO TELL US WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS HERE:

        ..............................................................

        ..............................................................

        ..............................................................

        ..............................................................

        Please fax your response by March 15 to: Baby Talk Editorial Dept,,
        (212) 827-0019.  If unable to fax, mail responses to 25 W. 43rd
     St., 20th Fl., New York, NY 10036-7406

        THANK YOU. LOOK FOR THE RESULTS IN A FUTURE ISSUE OF BABY TALK.



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