Circumcision Debate in Norway | Health | The Nordic Page

12.08.2010 - Oslo

Circumcision Debate in Norway

The Norwegian Council for medical ethics demanded ban on circumcision of boys. Jewish origin Physician at Women's Clinic at the National Hospital reacted to anti-circumcision group by asking for respect for the tradition and called them to focus on real problems of children .

Photo : A group of dressed children for a ceremonic circumcision fest | It is an ancient practice that has its origin in religious rites. Today, parents have their sons circumcised for religious or health reasons all over the world and it is operated at hospitals under doctors’ control in many developed countries.

Professor of childhood diseases Trond Mark Stad said that hundreds of Norwegian infants are circumcised in Norway each year and more children are exposed to pain and risk of complications when they are circumcised. The professor proposed that the children have risk of a number of complications such as bleeding and deforming the penis.

Professor of medical ethics at the University of Oslo, Jan Helge Solbakk also wanted ban and argued that circumcision of boys is an abuse.

Unreasonable criticism

Physician at Women's Clinic at the National Hospital and former head of the Jewish religious community, Rolf Kirschner, replied the criticism and said the arguments are completely unreasonable.

- First I would say that I am surprised this issue comes up when there are so many other children's rights being violated so brutally, "said Kirschner.

A Long Debate

The use of circumcision for medical or health reasons is an issue that continues to be debated in the world. Currently, the procedure is recommended in older boys and men to treat phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) or to treat an infection of the penis as well as a protection from urinary tract infections, that are common over the lifetime, inferior genital hygiene, smegma, sexually transmitted HIV. However, circumcision done by unhygienic ways poses risks.

TAGS: Circumcision, Debate

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Comments made on this article:

Danaldan Hirank

2010-08-12 19:19:45

Instead of a ban on so-called dangerous application, Norwegian doctors should educate themselves with new technologies that have zero pain and health risks. In many countries, circumcision is done with laser technology without blood, and children can continue their life in hours. Go and educate yourself, so deal with real problems in society

Janne

2010-08-12 17:19:45

Much ado

I think we should ban drinking, because it damages not only boys but also girls, and both in the womb and afterwards. I think men should be in solidarity with the women who carry the kids and not drink, either.So I think smoking should be prohibited because it damages environment and children.And once we've settled with these domestic Norwegian traditions that are harmful to both young and older children and adults, we can come back to this tradition that is kept alive by millions of people. So focus on real problems of children!!!