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NOCIRC NEWSLETTER
SPRING 1994
VOL. 8, NO. 1
ISSN 1070-3721
The National Organization of Circumcision Information Resource
Centers presents:
THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON
CIRCUMCISION
MAY 22 - 25, 1994
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND
______________________________________________
FROM INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS, YOU WILL
LEARN ABOUT:
The Anthropology of Circumcision: Genital Mutilation
of Males and Females
Cultural and Religious Considerations
Current Medical Issues
Long-Term Psychological Effects of Genital Mutilation
Harm Documentation Survey Results
Foreskin Restoration Information
Care of the Infibulated Woman
International Developments
Litigation/Legislation Concerns and Considerations
Activism, The Essential Element
AND YOU WILL SEE:
Documentary Films
Nurses of St. Vincent: Saying No To Circumcision
Fire Eyes, A Film on FGM
______________________________________________
AT THE END OF THIS PROGRAM YOU WILL UNDERSTAND:
* The cultural dynamics of male and female genital
mutilation
* The structure and function of normal male and female
genitalia
* Historical and contemporary roles of circumcision in
religion
* Current medical considerations of routine infant
circumcision
* Potential psychological consequences of genital pain
to infants and children
* How to care for the infibulated woman
* Legal and ethical implications of genital mutilation
of children
The First International Symposium on Circumcision (ISC) was
organized in 1989 as a forum for leading world authorities on the
medical, cultural, psychological, religious, legal and sexual aspects of
genital mutilation. The Symposium specifically addressed the practice
of routine medical neonatal male circumcision in North America. It
became apparent, however, that we could not isolate infant male
circumcision in North America from what is done to children
worldwide. Genital mutilation is primarily directed at children –
male and female – and, with this mutilation, a very definite part
of human sexuality is irretrievably lost. On the final day of the
conference, March 3, 1989, the General Assembly unanimously passed this
comprehensive resolution:
------------------------------------------------------------
DECLARATION OF THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL
SYMPOSIUM ON CIRCUMCISION
------------------------------------------------------------
We recognize the inherent right of all human beings to an intact
body. Without religious or racial prejudice, we affirm this
basic human right.
We recognize the foreskin, clitoris and labia are normal,
functional body parts.
Parents and/or guardians do not have the right to consent to the
surgical removal or modification of their children's normal
genitalia.
Physicians and other health-care providers have a responsibility
to refuse to remove or mutilate normal body parts.
The only persons who may consent to medically unnecessary
procedures upon themselves are the individuals who have
reached the age of consent (adulthood), and then only after
being fully informed about the risks and benefits of the
procedure.
We categorically state that circumcision has unrecognized
victims.
In view of the serious physical and psychological consequences
that we have witnessed in victims of circumcision, we hereby
oppose the performance of a single additional unnecessary
foreskin, clitoral, or labial amputation procedure.
We oppose any further studies which involve the performance of
the circumcision procedure upon unconsenting minors. We
support any further studies which involve identification of
the effects of circumcision.
Physicians and other health-care providers do have a
responsibility to teach hygiene and the care of normal body
parts and explain their normal anatomical and physiological
development and function throughout life.
We place the medical community on notice that it is being held
accountable for misconstruing the scientific database available
on human circumcision in the world today.
Physicians who practice routine circumcisions are violating the
first maxim of medical practice, "PRIMUM NON NOCERE,"
"First, Do No Harm," and anyone practicing genital mutilation is
violating Article V of the United Nations Universal Declaration
of Human Rights: "NO ONE SHALL BE SUBJECTED TO TORTURE OR TO CRUEL,
INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT..."
------------------------------------------------------------
The content of the Second ISC was intentionally broadened. Genital
mutilation was considered from a global perspective, religious
influences were addressed in greater depth, the structure and function
of the foreskin were described in detail and foreskin restoration was
considered for the first time. As a result of the presentation, two
books: Say No To Circumcision! and the Joy of Uncircumcising!, were
published. To date, both books have been reviewed by the journal of
the American Medical Association and the latter has also been reviewed
by the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Journal of
Nurse-Midwifery. The British Medical Journal and the British Journal
of Urology have scheduled reviews of The Joy of Uncircumcising! in
1994.
The scope and focus of the ISC has changed in response to the social
and political environment in which it is held, e.g., the new Oregon
Health Plan omitted coverage for routine neonatal circumcision and
Congresswoman Pat Schroeder introduced a bill to prohibit female
genital mutilation in the U.S. The content and scope of the Third ISC
will reflect this increased awareness. Authorities from England,
France, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Switzerland, Egypt, Africa and the
United States will convene to consider the genital mutilation of
children worldwide, regardless of its origin and intended purpose.
Men and women have come forward to document the harm they have
personally experienced. Their collective voice has been heard.
During the Symposium, Soraya Mire's documentary on female genital
mutilation, Fire Eyes, will be featured, and a press conference will
be held by Tim Hammond to announce the revealing results of his
ground-breaking Harm Documentation Survey.
LOCATION/ACCOMMODATIONS:
The Symposium will be held at the University of Maryland University
College Conference Center, University Blvd. at Adelphi Road, College
Park, MD (near Washington, DC), and is accessible from BWI,
National and Dulles Airports. Ask for directions when you make your
reservations.
Special hotel rates are $69 single and $84 double per night (plus 5%
sales tax). Please make your reservations directly with the hotel. For
special rates, request the NOCIRC Third International Symposium.
For toll-free reservations in the United States, call 1-800-727-8622.
Otherwise, call 301-985-7310.
Hospitality: If you have a place for others to stay, need a place to
stay or are looking for a roommate at the hotel, contact
Accommodations Coordinator David Saldana at 410-721-5637.
SYMPOSIUM FEES:
Early Registration
(Postmarked by April 15, 1994): $195
Regular and On-site Registration
(Postmarked after April 15 or at the door): $225
Partial Program Registration
$25 Sunday, $75/day Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday
Discount Registration
$50 off registration price for full-time students, senior citizens,
handicapped or groups of 5 or more (first 5 members of group must
register at same time).
Scholarships are available for Symposium volunteers. To apply, call
Frederick Hodges at 510/486-1373
Banquet Dinner: The menu will include a chicken or vegetarian meal at
$30. each, please specify your preference. Include reservations on your
registration form.
Conference speakers are confirmed for all program dates; however, we
reserve the right to replace speakers who are unable to attend.
CANCELLATIONS:
Requests must be made in writing and postmarked no later than May
10, 1994. A $45 per person processing fee will be deducted from the
refund.
DISCOUNT AIRLINE INFORMATION:
America West and USAir have been designated the official air carriers
for the Third International Symposium on Circumcision. Both airlines
offer reduced "Zones Fares" to Washington National and Baltimore
International Airports, as well as other low, published air fares. We
recommend that you make your air reservations immediately, since the
Symposium ends just before the peak travel period of Memorial Day
Weekend, and availability of seats at these special fares is limited.
Call:
America West: 1-800-548-7575
(Refer to CAMS Code 17266SZD)
USAir: 1-800-334-8644
(Refer to Gold File #56390128)
AMTRAK: 1-800-872-7245
CE CREDIT:
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing,
Provider Number xxx for 21 contact hours (pending).
********************************************************
REGISTRATION:
Name: ________________________________________
Organization: ________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
City/State: _______________________ Zip: _________
Telephone: _____________________________________
Make check/money order payable to:
NOCIRC
P.O. Box 2512
San Anselmo, CA 94979-2512
For CE Credit: Professional License No. ________________
________ Symposium
________ Partial Program Registration
please specify day/s ____________________
________ Banquet Dinner ($30)
___ Chicken ___ Vegetarian
less_____ Discount ($50)
Senior, Student, Handicapped, or Group
=_______ Total Payment Enclosed
(All fees payable in U.S. Dollars)
*Please note, refunds (less $45 processing fee) granted only on written
requests postmarked prior to May 10, 1994.
_____ Please include my name in the conference directory for
networking purposes
********************************************************
THIRD ISC PROGRAM:
Sunday
1:00 p.m. Registration, Exhibits, Bookstore
5:00 p.m. Welcome
5:30 p.m. Keynote Address: Dick Gregory
7:00 p.m. Reception
Monday
7:30 a.m. Exhibits/Bookstore
8:00 a.m. The Anthropology of the Body: Paradigms and Politics
of Circumcision, Robbie Davis-Floyd, Ph.D.
9:00 a.m. Modern Horrific Medicine: Unnecessary Sexual
Surgery, James DeMeo, Ph.D.
10:00 a.m. Coffee Break/Exhibits
10:30 a.m. The Epidemic of Circumcision, George Denniston, M.D.
11:00 a.m. The Prepuce Defined, John Taylor, M.B., FRCP.
11:30 a.m. Primal Health: The Bacteriological Perspective,
Michel Odent, M.D.
12:30 p.m. Lunch On Your Own/Exhibits/Bookstore
Harm Documentation Press Conference
2:00 p.m. Medical Board: James Snyder, M.D., FACS,
Moderator
Foreskins are Normal: The Pediatric Penis in Australia,
Mervyn Lander, M.B., B.S., Dip.Ter.Ed., F.R.A.C.S.
Cost Benefit Analysis, George Williams, M.B.Ch.B.,
F.R.A.C.P.
The Prepuce: 43 Years of Study, Including
Synechiotomy, Dr. Andres Straffon
Care of the Intact penis, Paul Fleiss, M.D., MPH
5:30 p.m. Dinner On Your Own/Exhibits/Bookstore
7:00 p.m. Strategies for Media Exposure, A Round Table
Discussion, Barry Ellsworth
8:30 p.m. Nurses of St. Vincent: Saying No To Circumcision,
Documentary Film by Barry Ellsworth
9:00 p.m. Fire Eyes, Documentary Film by Soraya Mire
10:00 p.m. Discussion, Soraya Mire
10:30 p.m. Adjourn
Tuesday
7:00 a.m. Exhibits/Bookstore
8:00 a.m. From Genetic Cosmology to Genital Cosmetics: Origin
Theories of the Righting Rites of Circumcision,
Duane Voskuil, Ph.D.
9:00 a.m. Religious Considerations: Jim Bigelow, Moderator
Evangelical Christianity, Jim Bigelow, Ph.D.
Jewish Roots of Circumcision, Moshe Rothenberg, CSW
10:00 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Religious Considerations (continued)
To Mutilate in the Name of Jehovah or Allah:
Legitimization of Male and Female Circumcision,
Sami A. Aldeeb, Doctor of Law
Jewish Feminist Perspective, Miriam Pollack
11:30 a.m. Transcultural, Multireligious, and Interdisciplinary
Dimensions of Appropriating Universal Paradigms
Regarding the Human Rights Challenge of Genital
Mutilation, Anastasios Zavales, Ph.D.
12:30 p.m. Lunch On Your Own/Exhibits/Bookstore
BREAK-OUT SESSIONS: FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
2:00 p.m. FGM in Egypt, Mohammed Badawi, M.D., Ph.D.
2:00 p.m. FGM in the U.S. Practice, Prevalence, Politics and
Priorities, Catherine Hogan
2:30 p.m. Medical Ethics, Trissa Baden, M.D.
2:40 p.m. Approaches Toward Eradication of FGM: Community
Mobilization, Alternative Rituals, Etc., Susan Rich
3:00 p.m. Second Generation Females at Risk: A Need for State
Department Policy, Rebecca Lodge
3:20 p.m. Similarities in Attitudes and Misconceptions toward
Infant Male Circumcision in North America and Ritual
Female Genital Mutilation in Africa, Hanny Lightfoot-Klein
3:30 p.m. Prosecuting FGM: From the Prosecution, Defense and
Child Perspectives, Melinda Douglas, J.D.
4:00 p.m. BREAK
WORKSHOPS: FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND FORESKIN RESTORATION
4:15 p.m. Female Genital Mutilation: Eradication Through
Sensitive Education and Confidentiality,
Asha Mohamud, M.D.
4:15 p.m. Foreskin Restoration and Support Groups,
Jim Bigelow, Ph.D., and R. Wayne Griffiths, M.S.
5:30 p.m. Dinner On Your Own/Exhibits/Bookstore
7:00 p.m. Long-Term Psychological Effects of Circumcision,
Ronald Goldman
8:00 p.m. Healing Ritual for Men and Women,
Jeannine Parvati Baker
10:30 p.m. Adjourn
Wednesday
7:30 a.m. Exhibits/Bookstore
8:00 a.m. Abuse, Armament and Addiction, Jed Diamond
8:45 a.m. Men's Rights, Fredric Hayward
9:30 a.m. Circumcision: A Class Perspective, Moshe Rothenberg
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Foreskin Restoration: From "Lunatic Fringe" to
Medical Credibility, Jim Bigelow, Ph.D.
11:30 a.m. Harm Documentation, Tim Hammond
12:30 a.m. Lunch On Your Own/Exhibits/Bookstore
2:00 p.m. Activism, The Essential Element: Jody McLaughlin,
Moderator
Taking A Conscientious Objector Stand,
The Santa Fe Nurses
Political Realities, Possibilities, and Opportunities,
James Prescott, Ph.D.
Parents, The Final Frontier, Elizabeth Noble, P.T.
Open Discussion: Bring Ideas and Information to Share
5:00 p.m. The Magical Child, Joseph Chilton Pearce
6:00 p.m. Exhibits/Bookstore
7:00 p.m. Banquet
Closing Address:
Routine Neonatal Circumcision:
Symbol of the Birth of the Therapeutic State,
Thomas Szasz, M.D.
----------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
----------------------------------------
AUSTRALIA: In the first case of its kind, a Children's Court
magistrate last December labeled female genital
mutilation a "surgical intrusion which really amounts
to an assault." She said it was evident that two
young girls, on whom the procedure had been performed
overseas, had suffered "significant harm" and that
their parents had failed to protect them from the
injury. The girls were placed under a protection
order until the case resumes this Spring. (Herald Sun)
ENGLAND: A private consultant who agreed to perform an illegal
female circumcision for 400 pounds cash was found
guilty on November 25 of serious professional
misconduct and barred from practice. Professor Sir
Herbert Duthie, chairman of the General Medical
Council's professional conduct committee, told
Dr. Farooque Hayder Siddique: "The committee is
appalled by your willingness to perform an abhorrent,
illegal and mutilating operation with no possible
medical benefit to a patient." (The Guardian)
ISRAEL: Commenting on post-mortem circumcision performed
without the permission of the family, Israel's
Ashkenazi chief rabbi Yisrael Lau said, "The chief
rabbinate sees circumcision as a privilege and not
something that should be forced on anyone." Former
Shepardi chief rabbi Mordechai Eliahu says
circumcising a Jewish corpse would "allow the person
to enter the Garden of Eden," but added that family
consent should be obtained, and it should not be done
if the man had refused circumcision while alive.
Israel's Ministry of Religions dismissed kidnapping
charges in October against a rabbi who mistakenly
circumcised a baby boy without the mother's consent.
The panel determined the rabbi circumcised the baby
in "good faith," even though the baby was not Jewish.
(Contra Costs Times)
UNITED STATES: The Federal Prohibition of Female Genital
Mutilation Act of 1993 (H.R. 3247), introduced on
October 7 by Congresswomen Pat Schroeder and
Barbara Collins, has been referred to the Judiciary
and Energy and Commerce Committees. Encourage
your representative to endorse this important human
rights bill. Once this bill has passed, it will be
much easier to introduce a bill regarding routine
infant male circumcision.
South Carolina: State Representative John James (Bubber) Snow,
Jr., on January 12, introduced House Resolution 44-87,
which requests a reevaluation of existing policies
pertaining to circumcision and episiotomy and HR 47-10,
on February 9, which would outlaw FGM. Anyone who
circumcises, excises or infibulates a woman younger than
18 could be sentenced to five years in prison.
Portland, Oregon: A deportation hearing was held on February 7
for Lydia Oluloro, 32, who is fighting to have her
immigration regularized in order to protect her
4 and 6 year-old daughters. If forced to return
to Nigeria, the girls, who are American citizens,
will be subjected to genital mutilation, as was
their mother. The decision on Oluloro's case,
which has received national attention on ABC's
Nightline, in U.S. News and World Report (Feb 7)
and Time Magazine (Feb 21), will be announced March 23.
Oregon: After years of statewide debate and federal scrutiny, the
new Oregon Health Plan, which excludes coverage for routine
male infant circumcision, went into effect on February 1.
The World Health Organization:
A Resolution of the Executive Board of the WHO recommended to the
Forty-seventh World Health Assembly "2.(2) to establish national
policies and programmes that will effectively, and with legal
instruments, abolish female genital mutilation...and other harmful
practices affecting the health of women and children" (24 January 1994).
-------------------------------------
BULLETIN BOARD
-------------------------------------
BOOKS:
Say No to Circumcision! Thomas Ritter, M.D., Hourglass Publishing,
$10.95 plus $2.00 P & H ($0.79 sales tax in CA) from NOCIRC, P.O.
Box 2512, San Anselmo, CA 94979.
The Joy of Uncircumcising! Jim Bigelow, Ph.D., $16.95 plus $2.00
postage and handling (plus $1.23 sales tax in CA) from UNCIRC, P.O.
Box 52138, Pacific Grove, CA 93950.
The Warrior's Journey Home, Healing Men, Healing the Planet, Jed
Diamond, New Harbinger Publications, 1-800-748-6273, $12.95.
PAMPHLETS:
Circumcision: What Your Baby Can't Tell You, 20 pages of statements
from authoritative sources, $5, compiled by John A. Erickson, 1664
Beach Blvd., #216, Biloxi, MS 39531-5351.
Deeper Into Circumcision: An Invitation to Awareness and Guide to
Resources For Parents, Researchers, Restorers, Activists and the
Merely Curious, $25, compiled by John A. Erickson, address above.
Newborn Circumcision – An Enigma of Health, Dr. George Williams,
presentation to the Second International Childbirth Conference,
University of Sydney, Australia, October 1992. With a $20 donation to
NOCIRC, P.O. Box 2512, San Anselmo, CA 94979-2512
COMMON INTEREST GROUPS:
Interested in networking/strategy meetings during the Symposium?
Call Moshe Rothenberg 718/859-0650
BURNING ISSUES:
A demonstration is scheduled for Thursday, May 26, to bring
awareness to the issue of childhood genital mutilation. Please plan to
attend, and make travel plans accordingly. Attendees are requested to
bring a specific item – call Tim Hammond at 415/826-9351 for details.
*********************************************************
This newsletter is published by:
National Organization of
Circumcision Information Resource Centers
Post Office Box 2512
San Anselmo, Ca 94979-2512
Telephone: (415) 488-9883
Facsimile: (415) 488-9660
Editor: Marilyn Fayre Milos, R.N.
Associate Editor: Jody McLaughlin
Consultants: Jim Bigelow, Ph.D., Tim Hammond,
Tina Kimmel
Typesetting: E-ARTS, San Anselmo, CA
********************************************************
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