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→Rights and ethics: Add text and citation.
The term "circumcision" without a gender qualifier refers specifically to male circumcision. It means "to cut around," and it refers to the [[excision]] of the [[foreskin]] from the penis. The term is inaccurate and a euphemism because the operation actually cuts off or [[amputates]] the [[foreskin]], which in adults comprises about fifteen square inches of highly functional tissue.
Circumcision is most often performed in healthy males for [[Religion and Culture|religious or cultural]] reasons. The procedure may be performed on consenting adults, but it is most often performed on non-consenting minors, particularly newborn children, which is why the ritual is so controversial. Opponents of circumcision consider the circumcision of non-consenting minors to be unethical and a [[human rights]] violation, unless there is concrete [[medical indication]]. === Consent by surrogates ===Medical ethics has long recognized limitations on the power of consent by surrogates.<ref>{{REFjournal |last=Committee on Bioethics, American Academy of Pediatrics |etal=no |title= Informed consent, parental permission, and assent in pediatric practice |trans-title= |language= |journal=Pediatrics |location= |date=1995 |volume=95 |issue=2 |article= |page= |pages=314-17 |url=https://www.cirp.org/library/ethics/AAP/ |archived= |quote= |pubmedID=7478854 |pubmedCID= |DOI= |accessdate=2023-05-21}}</ref>
Two ethicists, Myers & Earp (2020), have conducted a detailed review and analysis of the claimed medical benefits of non-therapeutic [[circumcision]]. They have determined that the alleged benefits are not material, so they do not support granting of consent by a surrogate. Moreover, they comment that even the most perfectly executed surgery produces [[trauma]] and harm to the patient. Circumcision also produces tissue loss and loss of function, therefore, circumcision should be performed only after the individual reaches the age of consent. Consent by a surrogate for a non-therapeutic circumcision is an unethical practice.<ref name="myers2020">{{REFjournal