MEDICAL AND ECONOMIC DISCUSSIONS OF MALE CIRCUMCISION IN IRAN

Kameel Ahmadyl*

In most societies of the world, ministries of health and medical communities, or the relevant responsible institutions in each country, are required to publish a series of comprehensive and up-to-date details about circumcision. They are obliged to dispense with one-sided propaganda and promotion of circumcision. To ensure that the rights of children are taken into account, it is imperative to establish thematic protocols and extensive guidelines before performing any operation on them, including circumcision. In contrast to what has occurred in Iran, over the past ten years significant efforts have been made at international and regional levels to increase public knowledge of circumcision. As a result, many people have come out against it, which has led to a decline in the practice in many nations. The ability of these cultures to discuss circumcision publicly and their liberties to publish in print and electronic media has been important factors in this process. Therefore, this article attempts to understand the scientific approaches taken in the commercialized and economically driven field of health/medicine to inform and raise awareness about the practice of male circumcision. The role of circumcision has been discussed in terms of its medical benefits - helping to prevent conditions like AIDS, penile cancer and urinary tract infections. Part of the debate is on the detrimental effects of and psychological impairments associated with circumcision. Then there are the commercial justifications for its continued practice and its promotion as cosmetic surgery and in popular media advertising. The research methodology employed in this study included interviews with several science and hygiene specialists, document and literature investigations, and a qualitative field study to assess the experiences of some circumcised Iranian people living both inside and outside of Iran.