Neonatal circumcision: when is the decision made?

Abstract

A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 277 new mothers to determine when the decision for neonatal circumcision is made. Seventy-eight percent of the women sampled were in favor of neonatal circumcision even before becoming pregnant. Over one half (56 percent) of the sample had decided before becoming pregnant that they would have their sons circumcised. Only 7 percent of the mothers made the decision after delivery. The circumcision status of the women's mates was a significant factor in making the decision for white women but not for black women. Sixty-one percent of all the women tried to learn more about circumcision before deciding. The most influential person in helping these women make the decision about circumcision was the husband.