Is it true that some hospitals circumcise the newborn boy without parental permission?

Question

Is this true? That some hospitals automatically circumcise the boy without the parents' permission because they assume that the parents want it done? I'm 7 months pregnant with a boy and I most certainly do not want my boy circumcised. Has this happened to anyone before? I have heard stories and I hope they are just stories.

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure that is illegal, so the 'stories' probably are entirely untrue.
Good for you for not wanting to chop off an integral part of your son's penis! Circumsizion is a dated surgery that does irreparable damage to the penis, with little advantages. You have made the correct choice :-)
Congratulations on your expecting, and good luck.

Answer 2

It is true but pretty rare nowadays. But back in the USA 30 or 40 years ago when it was routine yes they would automatically do it without checking (or explaining the procedure - even now most people don't understand it) and many poor babies got circumcised, some during operations for other things, or just while the mother was out of it.

Of course there's no need to circumcise and I'm glad you don't want to - can't believe the dumb stuff people are saying like hygiene (water works better than surgery) or "he might get very ill"....yeah there's more chance of getting MRSA from the circumcision than getting a serious foreskin infection.

However sometimes they do cut first and ask for permission later if they assume it would be done so I have heard of mothers writing "do not circumcise" on their child's nappies or forms, crib etc.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm sure this would be very, very rare, but I have read about this subject too. I am completely anti-circumcision and the thought of this horrified me. According to a few sources that I read, it could happen if the hospital you go too puts the circumcision consent form in with your admission paperwork.
When my doctor asked if we wanted a circ, I told him "no" and he didn't question it. I asked if it was a routine procedure at the hospital and if the consent form would be included in admission. He said "No, I don't think so, but you should make sure to know what you're signing, to be sure". I warned my husband of the possibility and plan to let him do the paperwork. I don't want to be too far into labor and accidentally sign it. I feel like my bases are covered and don't feel that the hospital I attend would make such a gross mistake.
From what I've heard, they have always asked one or both parents if they'd like to be in the room while the baby has the circ, so you'd know before it happened that way. I hope this puts your mind at ease! Good luck!

Answer 4

Hi, I am also 7 months pregnant with a boy. I was too told such a story, but what happened was the woman was handed papers to sign when she gave birth and didn't read them properly. One was a circumcision permission form.
They went ahead and did it and she was very upset.
I know for sure I do not want to do this. My husband is not circumcised and we are both European where it is definitely not popular like the states. As for the comments above about hygeine. Really, there is no difference. My husband is 38 years old and has never had an infection.
When you circumsize a child, it is cruel. It also desensitises the penis and they will get less enjoyment as an adult. Plus, why do you think men were born with foreskin? Not for it to be removed right after birth? Nature intended us to be this way, so why change it.

Answer 5

Well by and large it is no longer true though it sometimes accidentally happens. In the past however, (i'm talking decades, not a couple of years) it was actually not uncommon for hospitals to routinely do it unless the parents specifically signed a waiver saying they *didn't* want it done. This was, of course, also at a time when the APA actually recommended the procedure.

Answer 6

I am 41 years old and when I had my kids (1984, 1986, and 1987) it was perfectly legal. They did not even ask. I know that for sure because when the girl in the room with me asked for her baby and they didn't bring him for over an hour. When they finally did she asked what took so long and they said that he was being circumcised. She said well I guess it's good that I wanted him circumcised because they didn't even ask me.
But now they ask you before they do it, so don't worry.
Kudos to you for not circumcising your son. All three of my kids are girls but after what happened with my roommate when my first daughter was born, I told them when I was in labor with my second and third that they was NOT to circumcise my baby if he was a boy, they didn't even use any anesthetic back then. It was pure torture on them babies, there was no way they were going to do that to my baby.

Also, my father is 60 years old and uncircumcised and he has NEVER had any problems with it. NONE!

Answer 7

I have also heard these stories, it IS illegal and shouldn't happen, but you can never be too careful. In some areas of the country with extremely high circ rates it is quite possible that they do, or that your son could be "accidentally" done due to some mix up. Be quite clear from admission onward that your son is NOT to be circed. Some websites even have non-circ forms that you can bring with to have them add to your paperwork. If you have a significant other present, have them stay with the baby at all times to keep watch. I had a friend who gave birth at a military hgospital recently and she said they were VERY clear that they wanted thier son left intact, but the nurses still doublechecked with them EVERY shift to make sure "this really isn't something you want done?" Your son should be fine, but it wouldn't hurt to be a little extra cautious. -Neb

Answer 8

no you have to sign a waver giving permission to circumcise because of religious beliefs by law hospitals are not aloud to just do it jewish people have brisks where they have a rabi circumcise there sons on the 8th day of there life that is a religious belief also some people just dont believe in it

Answer 9

They should be just stories. But 27 years 9 months ago they did it to my son and I was a nurse. Things have changed. Circs are not routine anymore. I didn't have to sue- they offered a settlement.

Do not listen to people who tell you to do the circ. It is not necessary and many feel it cuts senstivity for the male. My other three sons were not circumcised. There is NO problem with hygeine and not problem with infection.

Answer 10

No, as everyone has said it's a surgical procedure and they have to have permission. I don't know if they still circumsise in the hospital in the state you live in but, here in Nevada they don't - I had to make a seperate appointment for my son. Good Luck with your baby boy!!