Great option. I actually grew up on Bainbridge, so while we're trying to look beyond it, I wholeheartedly endorse this plug for my hometown. It's beautiful.

I'm against infant circumcision. Janelle has provided a good outline, so I'll explain why in more detail.

I never really gave this subject much thought until, like Cagey, I spent time as a counselor on a Health & Wellness board and decided to go into pediatrics. I totally disagree with his observations, though. Hygiene shouldn't relate to circumcision. The penis should be washed once daily. That should be taught regardless of circumcision status; it's basic hygiene. As for the sensitivity arguments, I think the evidence is mixed, but I'd just warn against trusting anecdotal arguments either way.

The STI arguments are not especially more compelling either. In a developed country, you would have to perform something like 2,000 circumcisions to prevent one case of sexually-transmitted HIV. That's insanely inefficient from a public health standpoint. Imagine if we put that money into public health education instead of circumcision. Even from a cold, utilitarian standpoint, infant circumcision is bad public health policy.

The thing that pushes me to being completely opposed is a little less utilitarian: The informal polls on the health sites I've been on show that 15-30% of cut guys wish they weren't. There are reasonable arguments for and against circumcision. Most guys will be content either way. But individual choice is important on something this personal, and unless the justification against it is really compelling and urgent, it should be respected. Here, the argument against individual choice is just not strong enough.

There's two cents from a pre-med with too much free time over summer break. Happy to take any questions/comments.