Daniel Hansson
London SW16
As a surgeon, I never discuss operations with a
patient without also mentioning the risks involved. It is,
therefore, irresponsible to write about the benefits of male
circumcision without also mentioning the risks.
Moreover, Alex Renton ignores the issue of consent. Since
babies cannot give consent for themselves, any medical or
surgical intervention performed must be to prevent a disease
that may befall them as a child, thus necessitating that
intervention at an early age. Since newborns do not have sex,
HIV prevention is not a valid reason to perform this operation
at that age.
Dr Anish N Shah
London W14