This is true, but for me it’s a slippery slope. Certainly parents do many things for the good of their child against their child’s wishes. Things like making them go to bed, eat their vegetables, etc. As far as medical procedures, though, giving a vaccination (or an aspirin) seem much less intrusive then removing a body part.

In many Islamic countries they not only remove the clitoris from little girls, they also remove part or all of the labia which makes sex painful and childbirth more dangerous. That’s abusive. Parents also force all sorts of other abusive things on children such as forcing gay kids to go to camps to “make them straight”. Parents probably always believe they are doing the right thing for their children but … are they?

It’s OK with me if we agree to disagree. I’m not saying parents should NOT circumcise their sons. I’ve read journal articles that give both pros and cons. And I know it’s customary in certain religions. But removing the foreskin also reduces sensitivity since it eliminates many nerve endings — which may reduce sexual pleasure. Is that worth the health benefits? Maybe.

Again, I am fine with agreeing to disagree on this.