I would like to suggest some new legislation for Sen. Dan McCay. It would be SB000, the zeros signifying loss, and would be titled, The Elective Circumcision Amendment. Under the bill, elective circumcisions would be prohibited with the exceptions of the surgical procedure being performed as a religious rite among Jews, Muslims and certain tribal peoples of the world. Circumcision for others than the aforementioned peoples, if approved, could only be completed on adult males. After all, like McCay, we’re tough.
Unlike McCay’s current bill, SB174 Abortion Prohibition Amendment, SB000, once passed by the Legislature, would be immediately implemented, thereby ensuring that no newborn males in Utah will ever again be circumcised and that only uncircumcised men now living and living in the future will undergo the procedure. Prior to having the surgery, it would need to be prescribed by two independent physicians after complete examination including, of course, an ultrasound.
All this is done with deference to Rep. Stephen Christiansen, with the hope of providing the would-be patient with the best medical information. An added requirement would be the consent of the patient’s significant other, plus the documentation of need, after review of all pertinent medical information, by a panel of no fewer than six women of various ages.
Of significance is that we were not born circumcised and since things work just as well with or without, circumcision for adult males would undoubtedly be considered unnatural and unneeded by insurance companies and would not be approved for payment.
Fares Arguello, Salt Lake City
