body modifications (ex Re: Re: I thought stem cell research was for... )

[Guest guest]

"Tom, thanks for sharing your views on body modifications. You write:

I actually do not have a problem with implants if they are for reconstructive purposes. But otherwise, I think any form of body modification (external or internal) including getting tattoos, is wrong.

"What about circumcision?"

"For that matter, what about the reverse operation: foreskin reconstruction?"

"Kate Gladstone"

Kate,

I will have to be careful how I answer this because there may be children posting to this board.

1) Circumcisions are perfomed in the Jewish faith as part of the Jewish Briss ceremony eight days after birth. If I am not mistaken, this procedure is also part of a Muslim religious rite.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Briss

2) Many circumcisions are performed for health reasons. The latest supposed health benefit is that men who are circumcized have a reduced risk of contracting HIV.

http://www.kenyanewsnetwork.com/artman/publish/article_2685.shtml

UGANDA: Findings on circumcision may derail HIV/AIDS fight - President

3) There is also a procedure, praticed in many countries called "female circumcision." This procedure is commonly regarded as genital mutilation. Circumcision on males is sometimes regard as such by some males.

While there are many pros and cons for or against the procedure, I personally think the choice for the procedure ought to be up to the man once he reaches the age of maturity.

If a man was circumcised as an infant, or if he wants to reverse a cicumcision that he willingly underwent, I think that ought to be his choice.

However, stem cells are not needed for that. There are reversals done all the time without them.

The one thing that CANNOT be restored during a reversal, however, are, unfortunately, accidental removal of certain parts of the male organ. Perhaps stem cells would be needed for that. Additionally, there are plenty of things that can go wrong during circumcision that cause various types of scarring. So some reversals might not be possible.

Recently, it has been discovered that stem cells from one's umbilical chord may be able to be of use in restoring certain body tissues. I see nothing wrong with parents having their children's umbillical chords frozen for possible use at some later date. In my mind, it is no different than saving your own blood up for an operation.

Tom

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