November 24, 2005

The Unkindest Cut

Don't have a baby boy, because within hours you'll find yourself bombarded with contradictory medical information, pressured by cultural forces swirling in the world outside, and conflicted by your dedication to freethought and living life at the behest of reason and rationality.

When they first held Ewan up for me to see, my initial thought was how beautiful and amazing he was - my second thought was "oh shit, now I have to decide on circumcision."

So, it's been a couple of hours of Googling, separating the rabid activism that characterizes the bulk of each side of the argument from the calm advice, combined with asking one doctor (my brother) and our pediatrician, and finding they don't agree, to intimate discussions with my wife, torn because we only want to do what is best for our little boy.

I probably won't announce our decision here, but I'd welcome input from anyone who wants to give it, if they can do so in a dignified manner, and not like a barking moonbat or wacky wingnut called to arms in the cause du jour.

Update: Decision made. Thanks for everyone's input and thoughts on the matter.