It's a Boy! Should You Circumcise?

As they anticipate the arrival of those bundles of joy, soon-to-be parents often agonize over whether or not to circumcise their sons. Pressure from family or friends to assimilate to the prevailing wisdom can be overwhelming when considering this operation.

The origins of circumcision vary depending on your source of information. The motivations range from cleanliness to curbing masturbation, the latter considered in the United States immoral at the end of the 19th century.

Others continue the practice for religious reasons or cite cleanliness as a factor in their decision.

By all accounts, it seems that this practice is on the decline in the U.S. What is causing the trend that is turning new parents away from the practice?

Share your experiences or just your opinions with our Moms Council and other moms here on Patch.

Christine Atwood says: My personal belief is that this is an unnecessary surgery to put a baby through, unless your religion dictates that circumcision be done.  Cleanliness can be taught, and as for the masturbation issue, those social morals are antiquated.

Julie Flores says: After some consideration and research, I am totally against it.  Culture and religion have great things to add to our lives, but this is not one of them.