- Why circumcision does not improve a baby’s health
- The secret financial incentives behind the six billion-dollar circumcision industry
- That the pain of circumcision is equivalent to torture, and why anesthesia is rarely used
- Circumcision’s significant physical and mental health risks, including death
- Why both men and women enjoy sex more if the man is uncircumcised
- That adherents to Judaism or Islam may not be required to circumcise their child, as is often thought
- Why America is the only country in the world with a high rate of medical circumcision
What reviewers are saying:
Lipman’s text distills a wealth of medical literature, biomechanical science, and historical lore into lucid, down-to-earth prose while presenting a cutting critique of the industry that exploits circumcision customs. Traditionalists will find much here to dispute, but the author’s impressive marshalling of evidence and logic makes this one of the most persuasive briefs against circumcision in print. – Kirkus Reviews
This is a book I didn’t know I needed to read but am extremely grateful it landed in my lap. Lipman skillfully uses humor to make a subject that could be desperately uncomfortable easy to read, and accomplishes it without trivializing how serious the issue is. His exhaustive research is evident throughout the book, and he backs up every claim with verifiable references… Overall, this is an eye-opening assessment that forces readers to reflect on the implications of the practice in modern society. Very highly recommended.—Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite
“This is a monumental work of art, and eminently readable. I can’t express how deeply affected I was. This is a must read for all those interested in circumcision.” James Snyder, MD
“The book is easy to read and well documented. It would be advisable to read it before subjecting your healthy baby to circumcision.” Jeff Levi, MD
“Dr. Lipman has written a provocative, if not controversial book, that is extremely well written and thoroughly researched.” Professor Leonard Jason, author of more than 900 articles, and 100 book chapters. Recipient of the American Psychological Association’s award for Distinguished Professional Contributions to Applied Research.
“This book makes a compelling case for eliminating the traumatic practice of genital mutilation known as circumcision. Every prospective parent should read it.” Susan Kuchinskas, author of The Chemistry of Connection: How the Oxytocin Response Can Help You Find Trust, Intimacy and Love
A Jewish man… against circumcision
Male circumcision is the most important ritual in Judaism, so you might wonder whether I am a self-hating Jew or even an antisemite. My parents were Holocaust survivors; I’ve been beaten up for being a Jew and undoubtedly discriminated against in ways I’ll never know about. I love being Jewish.
I didn’t set out to write a book condemning circumcision. When I started my research, I was hoping for a title along the lines of The Wisdom of the Torah -– The Joy of Circumcision.
When I began investigating, I was astonished to find that there was only one pro-circumcision book. It was written by a mohel (Jewish circumciser) who was primarily concerned with the details of properly performing circumcision according to Jewish law.
Male circumcision is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the world, yet there is a dearth of information on it. After analyzing books, medical journals, the Bible, videos, and other sources, I discovered why: there’s no religious or medical reason to do the surgery. And there’s little discussion of its harms, because nobody wants to draw attention to how common the problems are, so they are often ignored or intentionally hidden.
Not one medical organization recommends circumcision
Only the American Academy of Pediatrics (wrongly) says, “the benefits outweigh the risks,” but stops short of recommending it for all boys. And the United States is the only country in the world with high rates of medical circumcision (as opposed to ritual circumcision done for religious reasons.)
My book, at 869 endnotes, is the most comprehensive and documented guide to circumcision. It analyzes the circumcision views of all major religions. It also thoroughly examines the medical benefits and harms, and the financial incentives which keep the practice going. Check out my list of the pros and cons of circumcision for a concise summary.
I didn’t write this book to attack Jews, Muslims, doctors, or anyone else. I wrote it to save boys from a practice based on a tragic series of misjudgments, made by just a small group of men, a long time ago.