The Disagreement9 Apr 2024

5: Circumcision

Today we have a sharp disagreement about circumcision with two cutting-edge experts in the field.

Professor Brian Morris is professor emeritus of molecular medical sciences at the University of Sydney in Australia. Over the last few decades, he has become perhaps the most prolific researcher in the world when it comes to the medical benefits of circumcision.

Dr. Ted Handler is a pediatrician at East Bay Pediatrics in northern California and the founding pediatrician for Oath Care, a venture-backed healthcare startup. In 2023, he wrote a viral article called “A Jewish pediatrician’s surprising take on circumcision."

Today we ask a wide range of questions:

How common is circumcision in the United States and across the globe?
How do you weigh the risks and benefits?
What are the implications for sexual health and pleasure?

Show Notes

Differing UTI rates [07:45]
Hygienic argument for circumcision [14:07]
Sexual experience sensitivity [16:34]
Does removing the foreskin remove sensation receptors? [18:35]
Evolutionary purpose of foreskin [25:20]
Risk of injury from circumcision [26:28]
Trauma for the parents [30:21]
The Plastibell technique [34:38]
Perspectives of sexual partners [39:24]
Social/cultural reasons [41:15]
Changing rates of circumcision [42:36]
Steelmanning [43:59]

If you know of anyone who would be a good guest on the following episodes, please reach out to Greg Woodward at greg@thedisagreement.com:

An expert who is opposed to banning TikTok in the U.S.
An expert who supports the use of consequences/punishments in day-to-day parenting

Questions or comments about this episode? Email us at podcast@thedisagreement.com or find us on X and Instagram @thedisagreementhq. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thedisagreement.substack.com/

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