Circumcision ban bill

BOSTON (FOX25, myfoxboston) - To circumcise or not to circumcise?

It's a question parents of baby boys have to decide but now there's a discussion on Beacon Hill that would take that choice away from parents in this state.

State lawmakers will debate a bill today that would make it illegal for parents to circumcise boys, unless there's a medical reason.

It would ban the procedure on any male under the age of 18 even for religious reasons.

Under the legislation, people who disregard the ban would face a fine and possible 14-year prison sentence.

The proposal classifies male circumcision as genital mutilation and supporters of the bill say male infants can't possible consent to the procedure.

They testified here on Beacon Hill, calling circumcision unethical at its core.

The Centers for Disease Control says lack of circumcision has been linked to sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections and penile cancer.

In the US, common complications include minor bleeding and infection.

The CDC doesn't recommend either way, preferring to leave the decision up to the person and their parents.

Here in Massachusetts, some say there are bigger issues at hand for lawmakers.

SO SHOULD IT BE BANNED? What do you think? Tell us below