Research Paper: Male and Female Circumcision in the United States
Male and Female Circumcision in the United States John Trammell California State University, San Bernardino Why is infant circumcision socially acceptable for males, but considered mutilation for females in the United States? Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin of the penis or the partial/full removal of the clitoral prepuce, the clitoris, and labia of the vagina (Schultheiss, 2010, p. 21, 23). The foreskin aids in sexual pleasure, guard the glands from external harm, and provides natural lubricity that eases friction during intercourse (Gollaher, 2000, p. 111). The clitoral prepuce protects the clitoris from external harm, the clitoris aids in sexual pleasure, and the labia protects the vaginal opening from external harm as well as keeps the internals moist (p. 111). The removal of these tissues would cause both men and women to experience a decrease in sexual pleasure. Women can become susceptible to disease and experience pain during intercourse due to the l