The Circumcision Decision

This episode may be hard for some people to listen to, but we feel it's important to talk about it because so many families share with us that they struggle with making the decision of whether or not to circumcise their children. Brendon Marotta, creator of the documentary American Circumcision, joined us to tackle this subject. Brendon Marotta is a filmmaker, author, podcaster, public speaker, and father. His last film, American Circumcision, won multiple awards and played on Netflix. He is the author of The Intactivist Guidebook,  The Haunting of Bob Cratchit, and Children’s Justice. He has spoken at Yale University, the International Conference on Men’s Issues, the International Symposium on Genital Autonomy and Children’s Right’s, and the Association for Pre and Perinatal Psychology. Brendon hosts a regular podcast called The Brendon Marotta Show. He currently lives with his family in Austin, TX. See Brendon’s work here. See Brendon’s credits on IMDB here. Follow Brendon on social media here. Summary Brendon Marotta, filmmaker and author, discusses the topic of circumcision and the need for education and awareness. He shares his personal journey of discovering the harms of circumcision and his passion for advocating against it. The conversation explores the cultural and societal factors that contribute to the continuation of circumcision, as well as the physical and psychological impacts it has on individuals. The importance of informed consent and questioning societal norms is emphasized. The conversation also touches on the comparison between male and female genital cutting and the need for greater accountability and change in medical practices. The conversation explores the ethical arguments against male circumcision and the importance of bodily autonomy. It highlights the cultural programming and societal norms that influence people's perspectives on circumcision. The discussion emphasizes the need for men to shift their perspective and see circumcision as something that happened to them, not as an immutable part of their identity. It also touches on the importance of uncomfortable conversations and conflict resolution in relationships. The conversation concludes with advice for parents who are deciding whether or not to circumcise their child. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE. For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE.  Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: [email protected] Follow on Facebook Follow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. This episode of Birth, Baby! Podcast was produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan: www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.com www.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly: www.beautifullymadedc.com Intro and Outro music by Longing for Orpheus. You can find them on Spotify!