NEWBORN CIRCUMCISION KNOWLEDGE

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 ...
  • He may or may not be given a local anesthetic
  • A nurse may or may not be given 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...

The average score for all participants was 2.4, woefully shy of the passing grade of 7 right answers.

27.8% of participants did not know anything that happens during a circumcision.

Only 9% of all participants got a passing grade (they knew half of what can happen).

Only 1 in 9 mothers (11.5%) who circumcised their son (and presumably gave informed consent) got a passing grade.

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).

Age was associated with knowledge of what happens. (Average scores of correct answers)

  • Age 18–34 (2.9)
  • Age 35–54 (2.3)
  • Age 55+ (1.8)

Level of education was positively correlated with knowing what happens during a circumcision.

  • Graduated degree (2.8)
  • Bachelor’s degree (2.5)
  • High school degree (2.3)
  • Less than a high school degree (1.5)

Knowledge and Opinions

Q: What is your opinion of newborn circumcision? (check all that apply)

  • It is required (15%)
  • It is up to the parents (59%)
  • It is safe and beneficial (31%)
  • Not sure what circumcision is (3%)

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 circumcision (54%)
  • Our doctor/midwife did not recommend circumcision (15%)
  • Our doctor/midwife recommended against circumcision (2%)
  • They did not mention the topic (29%)

Q: From whom, if anyone, did you feel pressure to circumcise your son? (check all that apply)

  • OB/GYN (7%)
  • Pediatrician (13%)
  • Doula (3%)
  • Nurse-midwife (3%)
  • Our/my religious beliefs (5%)
  • Friends (4%)
  • Family members (9%)
  • Spouse (8%)
  • Not pressured (66%)

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? (check all that apply)

  • None that I am aware of (86%)
  • Excessive bleeding (5%)
  • Glans (head of penis) injury (3%)
  • Post-operative pain (6%)
  • Infection (3%)
  • Meatal stenosis (narrowing of the urinary opening) (1%)
  • Required a second circumcision or corrective surgery (1%)

Note: 1 in 7 (14%) of boys experienced one or more complications from circumcision. 1 in 10 (10%) of the men in this study who are circumcised are restoring their foreskin.

1 in 5 (20%) of the men in this study who are circumcised have experienced some type of complication from circumcision, including erectile dysfunction.