The bioethics of neonatal circumcision are sometimes controversial within practicing cultures. Male circumcision involves the excision of genital tissue from the human body.

Some studies indicate that the foreskin and frenulum perform certain physiological functions among the men tested[1] [2] which would be destroyed by excision. Other studies indicate that some human males with a foreskin are at increased risk of certain diseases,[3] [4] (See medical analysis of circumcision)

Because the tissues, once excised, cannot be entirely replaced, many question the appropriateness of their removal in childhood. Non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision is sometimes performed exclusively for social or cultural reasons. Such practices and differing views are widespread in the United States.

Medical ethics

Commenting on the development of the 2003 British Medical Association guidance on circumcision, Mussell states that debate in society is "intensely fraught, with individuals and groups holding conflicting positions." Identifying three positions, "support", "qualified support", and "opposition", he suggests that this controversy "is also reflected within the multicultural, multifaith BMA membership", and identifies this as a difficulty in achieving consensus among the medical ethics committee. Arguments put forward in discussions, according to Mussell, included that circumcision "is a net benefit focused on concepts such as social integration and cultural acceptance", but also that it is "a net harm focused on the breach of children’s rights—the right of the child to be free from physical intrusion and the right of the child to choose in the future.