As increasing awareness grows worldwide on issues related to human rights and child health, it is important to assess whether practices such as circumcision constitute a necessary or beneficial tradition. In the Polish context, this topic has been controversial, and scientific research and opinion has been divided.
The World Health Organization defines male circumcision as the “partial or total removal of the foreskin of the penis,” adding that more than one-third of men aged 15 or older are circumcised worldwide. It further states that this is widely considered a sign of faith among Jewish and Muslim individuals, with the Jewish rite of circumcision, known in Hebrew as ‘brit milah’ or ‘covenant of circumcision’, falling on the eighth day.
According to reports by the Polish Central Statistical Office, about 73% of men in Poland aged 30–49 were circumcised in 2009. While this statistic reflects a decrease from 1995, it still remains relatively high compared to other countries in Europe. This could attribute to the heritage of both Catholicism and Judaism in Poland, with some reports indicating that Jews and Poles living in Poland historically underwent circumcision between the ages of nine and twelve.
At the same time, Poland has seen a trend of health practitioners encouraging parents to delay or abandon this traditional practice altogether. Various medical associations around the country, including the Polish Society of Pediatric Urology and the Faculty of Pediatrics of the Medical University of Warsaw, have argued in recent years that circumcision should be postponed until a child reaches the age of consent and can make their own decisions. In accordance with this opinion, the Parental Rights Act of 2009 in Poland stipulates that any medical intervention conducted on minors must first be approved by their parents.
For some families, religious beliefs are strong enough to overlook the potential medical risks associated with circumcision. Research supports that this practice is generally safe, however minor complications are not unheard of. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 2012, adverse events linked to newborn male circumcision are rare, but may include bleeding, infection, and disfigurement of the circumcised area.
Others point out various benefits associated with circumcision, such as reduced risk of infection, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted diseases and inflammation of the glans. It has also been suggested that circumcision may reduce penile cancer and the transmission of HIV. However, the AAP has classified all of these potential advantages as “not sufficient enough to recommend routine neonatal circumcision”.
Ultimately, it is up to families and individuals to decide if circumcision is right for their children, and all decisions should be made with due consideration to medical risks. As medical research continues to expand our understanding of the short and long-term effects of circumcision, Polish parents may use the available data to make informed choices.
The Potential Effects of Non-Circumcision
Taking into account the potential health benefits that are associated with circumcision, it is important to consider how a decision not to circumcise may affect individuals in the future. Odynophagia, or painful swallowing, may become an issue for some people, since it is understood that a certain degree of discomfort or pain can be felt during sexual activities. In such cases, the accumulation of smegma, or smegma, between the glans and the foreskin may increase the likelihood of irritation and less lubrication.
In addition, the Polish Ministry of Health reports that complications associated with a tight foreskin, such as phimosis, may be more prone to occur if the individual is not circumcised. Phimosis is the inability to retract the foreskin due to tightness and may cause infections and severe discomfort. Consequently, a non-circumcision may give rise to both potential medical as well as psychological issues.
On the other hand, some opponents to circumcision have argued that it is not only unnecessary, but can even be detrimental to the overall health of individuals in the long-term. Various studies have suggested that circumcision reduces the sensitivity of the penis, therefore reducing sexual pleasure. It is yet to be established if this claim is universally true, but it is yet another factor which people should take into account when making choices.
The Legal Aspects of Circumcision
Despite the religious or cultural implications linked to circumcision, it is ultimately considered a violation of the child’s body, so all decisions related to it must be taken with full consideration to their physical and mental wellbeing.
The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights of 1966, ratified by Poland in 1991, stipulates that any form of unnecessary infliction of bodily pain constitutes a breach of human rights. This includes circumcision, which is why in many countries, including Germany, the legislation prohibits circumcision on minors. Nonetheless, all families have the right to decide on the matter according to their own religious beliefs.
Furthermore, the decision should be carefully considered in line with the specific needs of the individual. For example, it is advisable for parents to seek a doctor’s advice in cases where their children are already circumcised upon birth, as well as in cases where there is a pre-existing skin condition, such as eczema. In such cases, the doctor may recommend different alternatives or precautions.
The Social and Cultural Implications
It is important to consider the social implications of circumcision and the potential impact it may have on individuals in their communities. In many cultures, circumcision is seen as an important sign of faith within religious communities and a rite of passage into adulthood.
Within the Polish cultural context, circumcision may be seen as a means of preserving masculine identity and a means of avoiding psychological stigma or ridicule. It may also confer many psychological benefits, such as a sense of belonging and the internalization of parents’ wishes. Additionally, some people may find a cultural connection with their Jewish and Muslim counterparts, which could bring a sense of pride and commonality.
At the same time, it is important that the decision to circumcision or not is respected by others. It is essential to ensure that no one is forced or pressurized to perform a surgical operation to which they have not given their prior consent.
Measures Taken To Reduce the Risk of Complications
The Polish Ministry of Health, along with many other healthcare organisations, has released multiple regulations and guidelines to support parental decisions regarding infant and adolescent circumcision. These guidelines emphasise the importance of following standardised protocols and sterilization procedures to avoid any potential complications during the process.
The Ministry of Health in Poland suggests that each procedure is carried out by suitably qualified personnel, and that all relevant medical records are kept on file for at least ten years after the procedure. All instruments used during the surgery must also be thoroughly sterilized and stored carefully.
In addition, the Polish Ministry of Health recommends that a child is monitored after a circumcision and that any signs of distress, such as bleeding, swelling, or pain, are assessed immediately. Furthermore, they suggest that parents should contact the medial support team if any kind of medical assistance is needed.
The Role of Education
Educating the public on the risks and benefits associated with circumcision is crucial in helping families make the right decision for their children. It is vital that parents are informed of the potential medical and social implications of the procedure and that they are given sufficient advice from trustworthy sources.
While education in Poland is compulsory, there are often not enough resources or information available on this topic. It is also imperative that educational institutions provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding circumcision and its various implications. Schools should also ensure that teachers, medical personnel, and parents are aware of the legal requirements regarding circumcision and the current standards of medical care.
This could be supplemented by raising awareness of non-surgical options. For example, education and information can also be disseminated through social media platforms, as well as providing online resources where people can seek support and guidance.
