Every parent wants to protect their child. But what if one of the most common procedures performed on newborn boys in the United States is actually compromising that very goal? In an eye-opening conversation with Georgeanne Chapin, founder of Intact America, the Born Wild Podcast dove deep into the ethical, cultural, and biological dimensions of circumcision—and why keeping boys intact is an act of protection, not omission.
Whether you're preparing to welcome a baby, navigating difficult family conversations, or rethinking long-held assumptions, this guide offers clarity and compassionate insight into one of the most misunderstood topics in child health.
Circumcision Isn’t Just a Procedure—It’s a Violation of Bodily Autonomy
Circumcision has long been normalized in the U.S., performed routinely on infants without their consent. But as Georgeanne Chapin explains, this practice is not medically necessary—it’s a cultural artifact rooted in outdated beliefs about hygiene, morality, and control.
“Circumcision is the only surgery routinely performed on individuals who can’t consent and who aren’t sick,” she states. “It’s a violation of their rights from the very beginning."
When framed as a human rights issue, circumcision isn’t just about the physical loss of a body part. It’s about denying individuals the fundamental right to bodily integrity. And as Chapin passionately argues, if consent and autonomy matter in healthcare—then they must begin at birth.
The Forgotten Anatomy: Why the Foreskin Matters
Far from being a “useless flap of skin,” the foreskin plays crucial roles throughout life. At birth, it protects the infant penis from infection, friction, and environmental irritation. As a child grows, it gradually becomes retractable—offering lubrication, sensory pleasure, and natural protection in adulthood.
“The foreskin is there for a reason,” Chapin explains. “Its function is protective and sexual. It has nerves, blood vessels, and immunological benefits.”
Key functions of the foreskin include:
- Protection: Shields the sensitive glans from abrasion, diaper friction, and pathogens.
- Pleasure: Contains thousands of specialized nerve endings that support sexual function.
- Lubrication and Mobility: Facilitates smoother, more natural intercourse without artificial lubricants.
Removing it isn’t neutral—it’s a permanent alteration that affects form, function, and sensation. And while many men circumcised as infants say they’re “fine,” Chapin offers a powerful counterpoint: “If you've only seen the world in black and white, you don’t know what color looks like.”
Intact Care Is Simple: Leave It Alone
One of the most common myths fueling circumcision is the belief that an intact penis is hard to care for. In truth, intact care is easier—and less invasive—than most people realize.
Here are Chapin’s foundational rules for caring for an intact child:
- Never forcibly retract the foreskin. The foreskin naturally separates over time, often not until puberty.
- Clean what is seen. Gently wash with warm water—no soap or manipulation required.
- Avoid misinformation. Many medical professionals still mistakenly advise premature retraction. Know your rights and advocate for your child.
For issues like irritation or redness, Chapin recommends natural remedies such as acidophilus, antifungal creams for yeast, or simply letting the body heal. And if medical advice seems aggressive, consult with experienced intactivist organizations like Intact America or Your Whole Baby first.
Healing Generational Trauma: Family Dynamics and Circumcision
Circumcision doesn’t only impact the child—it affects entire families. Chapin highlights how many fathers struggle with conversations around circumcision, especially if they themselves were cut.
“There’s this deep internal question: Am I damaged? If I’m okay, then my child should be circumcised too. If not, what does that say about me?”
This emotional conflict can lead to defensiveness, shame, and intergenerational wounds. Chapin urges compassion and dialogue—but also strength. “Let your son decide for himself,” she advises. “It’s his body. If he wants it done later, he can make that choice. Almost no one ever does.”
Circumcision Culture: How We Got Here
Circumcision’s roots in the U.S. are tied not to health, but to Victorian fears about masturbation. Later, it became entangled with classism, racism, and medical marketing. “It was never about health,” Chapin notes. “It was about control, conformity, and imagined cleanliness.”
While most of the developed world has moved away from circumcision, it persists in the U.S.—driven by routine hospital practices and outdated medical advice. Chapin’s organization, Intact America, is working to change that through advocacy, education, and supporting parents in filing formal complaints when violations occur.
Your Child Deserves to Stay Whole
Choosing to keep your baby intact is a powerful act of protection. It says: “I trust nature. I trust my child’s body. I trust that he can make his own choices.”
As Chapin concludes, “The foreskin is a body part. It’s a part of your son. And it’s there for a reason.”
Whether you’re facing pressure from family, misinformation from providers, or internal uncertainty, know that you are not alone. The more we talk about this, the more we dismantle the silence—and the more we protect the next generation from unnecessary harm.
Want to Learn More?
To hear Georgeanne Chapin’s full conversation—including her personal story, expert insight, and tips for navigating tricky conversations with partners and doctors—listen to the full episode: “Georgeanne Chapin – Circumcision and Intact Care” on the Born Wild Podcast.
