Genital cutting of boys and the right to bodily integrity

Transcription

1 Genital cutting of boys and the right to bodily integrity Tiina Vilponen MTh, Sexuality Therapist Authorised in Sexological Education and Sexual Health Promotion (NACS) Specialist in sexuality and relationships since 1969

2 Why this topic? In 2011 Sexpo launched project Intact to promote the genital autonomy of male minors. The project provided education on risks, harms and ethical problems of circumcision. The project ended 2014 and was funded by the Finland's Slot Machine Association (RAY). The work to protect all children from unnecessary genital modifications continues in Finland and abroad by training, educating and counselling in co-operation with many organizations, networks and associations.

3 To protect all children.. Declaration of Sexual Rights - World Association for Sexual Health (Seksuaalioikeuksien julistus) UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (Lapsen oikeuksien sopimus) Finnish law, Constitution of Finland, Child Welfare Act (perustuslaki, rikoslaki, lastensuojelulaki) Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Dignity of the Human Being with regard to the Application of Biology and Medicine: Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine/Oviedo Convention (Biolääketieteen sopimus) Child Welfare and Human Rights Organizations (lukuisat lastensuojelu- ja ihmisoikeusjärjestöt) Nordic Association for Sexology (Pohjoismaiden seksologiyhdistys) The Finnish Medical Association (Suomen Lääkäriliitto) Policy Statement - Doctors Opposing Circumcision 80% of the Finns (valtaosa kansalaisista) Nordic Ombudsmen for Children and Pediatric Experts (pohjoismaiset lapsiasiavaltuutetut ja lääketieteen asiantuntijat) Council of Europe (Euroopan neuvosto)

4 Foreskin? Circumcision? Foreskin protects the glans and keeps it moist, has thousands of nerve endings, provides a gliding and lubricating mechanism, has specialised immunological components Cutting In early childhood the foreskin is naturally fused to the glans and must be forcibly separated before the foreskin is excised. The cutting is done with a scalpel either free-hand or with a clamping device. This removal takes away a barrier against infection and creates an open wound which is susceptible to infection. In most cases there is little or no anaesthetic or pain control. During the procedure, there is often a raised level of cortisol in the blood and elevated blood pressure and heart rate equivalent to levels seen in torture victims and is likely to have repercussions throughout life. If pain control is used possible side-effects are e.g. respiratory problems, vomiting, diarrhea and seizures.

5 Bad things happen. Immediate and post-operative damage could include: excessive bleeding, heart failure, shock, accidental amputation of glans, post-operative infection, damage to urethra, septicaemia, clamp injuries leading to gangrene, retention of circumcising device, neuropsychological problems including with breast-feeding and maternal bonding, disassociation, lethargy, pain, loss of penis and death Long-term damage could include: scar tissue, meatal stenosis, skin bridges, especially when frenulum removed affects ejaculatory mechanism, painful erections, orgasm difficulties, erectile dysfunction, dyspareunia, incomplete sexual needs fulfilment, altered pain threshold, psychological damage; avoiding physical contact and/or lack of engagement in relationships (of all kinds), emotional unavailability, fear of intimacy, negative body image

6 Men do complain. Just listen.

7 How to help? Open Future allow Child's Best Interest - keep in mind Bodily Integrity respect Sexual Rights promote Sexual Development protect Co-operate Recognize the facts Break the silence Stop comparing Do not fear

8 Thank you. Let us keep in touch!