To the Editor:

Infant circumcision (male foreskin amputation) is declining nationwide. NO national medical group worldwide recommends this harmful surgery. Nevertheless, few people (including physicians) understand the protective, sensory, and sexual functions of the foreskin, or the resulting losses from circumcision. The 85% of males worldwide who are left intact are the fortunate ones.

The foreskin covers and protects the glans penis, keeping its surface moist. Glands in the foreskin produce antibacterial and antiviral proteins, and the foreskin’s mucosal lining secretes immunoglobulins that defend against infection. After foreskin removal, the glans becomes thickened, dry, and less sensitive. Later in life, erectile dysfunction may result.

Male circumcision results in the loss of 10,000 to 20,000 erogenous nerve endings, including receptors called Meissner’s corpuscles; the nerve-dense frenulum; the frenar band of soft ridges; the dartos fascia; over 50% of the mobile penile skin; the sliding and gliding mechanism that allows for nonabrasive, lubricating, normal sexual intercourse for both the male and female, and much more. (See Cold and Taylor, “British Journal of Urology,” January 1999 and Lostlist at www.cirp.org.)

Fortunately for children, more parents today are saying NO to circumcision and respecting the bodily integrity rights of their sons. Now is the time for U.S. Catholic hospitals to also stop performing infant circumcisions on their premises, in keeping with Catholic Catechism teaching #2297.

Petrina Fadel, DirectorCatholics Against Circumcisionhttp://www.catholicsagainstcircumcision.org/

5609 Sears Rd.Groton, NY 13073Phone: 607-898-3978