The Anti-Circumcision Movement Is Based On Nothing But Fear Mongering

On 1/11/2022, the YouTube channel The Infographics Show released a video titled “Circumcision — Pros and Cons.” I mention this because I think this video shows exactly what those in favor of male circumcision have to go up against. Most of the positive effects listed are medical — decreased risks UTIs, infections, STDs, and penile cancers — although the video does discuss many of the social and cultural benefits. The video also points out that males who are not circumcised as infants might have to undergo the procedure anyway later in life — where risks of complications are higher — due to various medical issues the foreskin could present.

Compare this to the cons the video lists, which is almost entirely based on appeals to emotions such as the infant possibly feeling pain in the procedure, concern about a botched procedure, or fears about the costs. I actually want to take a minute and talk about their point on botched procedures, because it’s so bizarrely stupid:

Most famously, David Reimer was severely injured in a botched laser circumcision as a baby, and his parents decided to sexually reassigned and raise him as a girl in a controversial case.

First off, David Reimer’s circumcision occurred because both he and his twin brother had developed Phimosis, a condition where a…