Newborn Circumcision Knowledge Survey
Many Americans and Filipinos, influenced by American culture, often lack awareness of the actual process and implications of newborn circumcision. Notably, circumcision is not common in Spanish culture, is not mandated by the Bible, and is not a widespread practice in the UK, where Christianity and Catholicism are prevalent.
What Happens?
Q: What do you think happens during a hospital newborn circumcision? (check all that apply)
- He is taken to a special room
- He is restrained by strapping him to a board
- His groin is wiped with antiseptic
- A doctor uses a probe to separate his foreskin from the glans
- He cries in pain and thrashes at the restraint
- A doctor uses scissors to cut vertically down his foreskin
- A doctor uses a clamp to hold his penis and foreskin apart
- A doctor uses scissors or a scalpel to cut around his penis and remove the foreskin
- He may or may not be given a local anesthetic
- A nurse may or may not give him a sugar pacifier
- He may pass out from the pain
- He may vomit
- He may suffer internal injuries
- I don't know what happens during a newborn circumcision
Survey Results
In 2023, AntiCirc commissioned a survey of 542 men and women aged 18 and older.
Demographic Scores
Note: None of the demographic groups obtained a passing grade. Average score for women (2.7) was higher than for men (2.1).
By Age
- Age 18–342.9
- Age 35–542.3
- Age 55+1.8
By Education
- Graduate degree2.8
- Bachelor's degree2.5
- High school degree2.3
- Less than high school1.5
Knowledge and Opinions
Q: What is your opinion of newborn circumcision?
- It is required15%
- It is up to the parents59%
- It is safe and beneficial31%
- Not sure what circumcision is3%
Note: Male child genital cutting (aka circumcision) is not required nor safe. It is unnecessary and harmful.
Solicitations and Decisions
Q: Concerning any circumcision discussion you had with your doctor or nurse-midwife regarding your (last) son, which applies to you?
- Our doctor/midwife recommended circumcision54%
- Our doctor/midwife did not recommend circumcision15%
- Our doctor/midwife recommended against circumcision2%
- They did not mention the topic29%
Q: From whom, if anyone, did you feel pressure to circumcise your son?
- OB/GYN7%
- Pediatrician13%
- Doula3%
- Nurse-midwife3%
- Our/my religious beliefs5%
- Friends4%
- Family members9%
- Spouse8%
- Not pressured66%
Complications and Observations
Almost half (46%) stated that they knew of no circumcision complications. Note: No surgery is risk-free.
Q: Did your son experience any circumcision complications?
- None that I am aware of86%
- Excessive bleeding5%
- Glans (head of penis) injury3%
- Post-operative pain6%
- Infection3%
- Meatal stenosis (narrowing of urinary opening)1%
- Required second circumcision or corrective surgery1%
1 in 7 (14%) of boys experienced one or more complications from circumcision.
1 in 10 (10%) of circumcised men in this study are restoring their foreskin.
1 in 5 (20%) of circumcised men have experienced complications, including erectile dysfunction.