I have a five-year-old son. One of the biggest concerns occupying my mind these days is whether to circumcise my son.

He was born in the U.S. and has had no special issues so far, but every time I hear someone ask, "When are you going to circumcise him?" I feel a weight in my heart.

In the U.S., the rate of circumcision is gradually decreasing compared to the past. In the 1970s and 80s, it is said that over 80% of newborns automatically underwent circumcision right after birth in hospitals. However, recently, opinions on the necessity of circumcision have become divided in the medical community, and the overall rate has fallen below 60%. There are regional differences as well; in the Midwest and South, it is still commonly performed, while in the West and Northeast, many parents choose to keep their children intact.

Especially among white, black, and Hispanic families, there is a growing trend not to choose surgery unconditionally. There are cases where health insurance does not cover it, and many hospitals make the procedure optional. However, Asian parents, particularly those from Korea or the Philippines, often still choose surgery, reflecting their cultural sentiments.

Is it automatic when born in a hospital?

To put it simply, it is no longer 'automatic.' When a child is born in a hospital, the staff will first ask the parents about circumcision. If the parents do not agree, it will not be performed, and if they wish to have the surgery done within a few days after birth, a separate consent form must be filled out. I remember when my child was born, a nurse quietly came to ask me. At that time, I thought, "I can do it later if needed," and declined. Looking back now, I feel a bit uneasy that I didn't think it through properly at that time.

In Korea, where I grew up, circumcision was almost mandatory. I remember the scene of boys being taken to the hospital every vacation before entering middle school, the memories of limping around after surgery, and the atmosphere of "it's strange not to do it." That was the common perception in Korea, and it was seen as a rite of passage that boys should naturally undergo.

However, raising my son in the U.S. has changed my perspective. Here, there is an emphasis on 'naturalness' and a respect for individual choice. Whether at school or in gym showers, there is hardly any discrimination or teasing based on circumcision status. Instead, warnings about the side effects, pain, and loss of sensation from surgery are more frequently heard.

On the other hand, considering hygiene aspects, social comparisons (especially if most peers are circumcised), or potential cultural clashes when visiting Korea or during military service, I sometimes think, "Wouldn't it be better to just do it?" It's not easy to completely shake off the Korean sentiment. As a parent, I feel like I might be missing something, and I worry that my child might feel uncomfortable or resentful later on.

I have not yet made a decision. But one thing is certain: it is no longer an 'automatic surgery.' It is a matter that parents should carefully consider, listen to medical explanations, and decide after taking culture and emotions into account.

I am thinking of consulting my child's pediatrician again. I will actually weigh the pros and cons of the surgery, the recovery speed by age, and issues related to infection or hygiene. And above all, when my child grows a bit more and can understand his body, having a conversation with him could also be one way to approach this.

While parental judgment is important, ultimately, it is the child's body. I want to make a decision not by following someone else but by organizing it based on our family's own standards and values.