circumcision

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circumcision

The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition | 2008 | The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Copyright 2008 Columbia University Press. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

circumcision , operation to remove the foreskin covering the glans of the penis. It dates back to prehistoric times and was widespread throughout the Middle East as a religious rite before it was introduced among the Hebrews, presumably by Abraham. It is performed by Jews on the eighth day after the birth of the male child, unless postponed for reasons of health. It is also practiced among Muslims and by other peoples in many parts of the world. Explanations of the origin of circumcision are entirely conjectural. It is related to rites of initiation. Among Jews it is considered to involve membership in the community and to be a sign of the covenant between God and humans. The decision that Christians need not practice circumcision is recorded in Acts 15; there was never, however, a prohibition of circumcision, and it is practiced by Coptic Christians. Despite some controversy, it also has been widely practiced in modern times, especially in the United States, as a sanitary measure believed to give some preventive advantage against penile cancer and sexually transmitted diseases (studies have shown it to be associated with a significant reduction in the risk of HIV transmission, particularly among heterosexuals). Since 1971, when the American Academy of Pediatrics stopped recommending routine infant circumcision, the number of circumcised infants in the United States has slowly declined, although it is still above 60%.

So-called female circumcision, in the form of excision of the labia minora and clitoris (clitoridectomy) aimed at destroying sexual sensation, is known in Islam (although it is a cultural, not a religious practice) and in certain societies of Africa, South America, and elsewhere. Also called female genital mutilation, it is a controversial practice, but deeply rooted in local custom; there are movements toward prohibition in some countries. In the United States it is illegally practiced among some immigrant populations. In some instances women have sought asylum in the United States or other Western nations to prevent forced operations on themselves or their daughters. A World Health Organization study released in 2006, which involved more than 28,000 women in six African countries, found that the practice increased the risk of complications and death during and after childbirth for mothers and their newborns.

Bibliography: See study by D. L. Gollaher (2000).

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circumcision

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church | 2000 | | © The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church 2000, originally published by Oxford University Press 2000. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

circumcision. Though circumcision had long been in use as a religious rite among the Jews, it was abandoned at an early date by nearly the whole Church. In St Paul's Epistles ‘the circumcision’ is used substantively of the Jewish people.

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E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "circumcision." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "circumcision." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (December 16, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-circumcision.html

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "circumcision." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved December 16, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-circumcision.html

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circumcision

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | © World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

circumcision Operation of removing part or the whole of the foreskin of the penis or of removing the clitoris. Male circumcision is ritual in some groups, notably Jews and Muslims, and is said to have sanitary benefits. Female circumcision is intended to reduce sexual pleasure and has no medical benefit.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

Free Article Circumcision Recommended to Fight HIV
News Wire article from: AP Online; 3/28/2007
Free Article Circumcision Is Recommended to Fight HIV
News Wire article from: AP Online; 3/28/2007
Free Article Circumcision significant in HIV prevention.(AIDS briefs)(human immunodeficiency virus)(Report)
Magazine article from: CME: Your SA Journal of CPD; 10/1/2009

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News Wire article from: AP Online; 3/29/2007; 700+ words ; ...Wednesday that heterosexual men undergo circumcision because of "compelling" evidence...experts said men need to be aware that circumcision is only partial protection against...Catherine Hankins of UNAIDS. "Male circumcision does not provide complete protection...
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Tomb/wall painting from Ankhmahor, Sakkara (Saqqarah), Egypt. Oldest known illustration of circumcision. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

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