1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing with deep concern to urge you to introduce or support legislation that protects children from non-consensual genital cutting. Routine circumcision on minors is an irreversible procedure performed without the patient’s consent. When carried out for non-medical reasons, it is a violation of bodily autonomy, human rights, and equal protection under the law. When performed without medical necessity or consent, it constitutes a form of genital mutilation. Circumcision removes the foreskin, a complex, specialized structure that is far more than a simple fold of skin. It contains dense networks of fine-touch receptors. These areas contribute significantly to sexual sensitivity for intact men. The foreskin also provides natural lubrication and a smooth gliding mechanism during arousal and intercourse, reducing friction and increasing comfort for both partners. The foreskin is the penis’s natural protective covering. In infancy and childhood, it shields the glans from dirt, abrasion, and irritation. In adulthood, it maintain's normal moisture levels and prevents the glans from drying and thickening due to constant exposure. These changes alter the natural state of the penis.And once removed, this tissue, and the functions it provides, cannot be replaced. The foreskin is not a mistake of nature. It is a functional part of the body with protective, sensory, and sexual roles that no one should lose without their informed, adult choice. The physical consequences of infant circumcision are often minimized, yet the procedure can involve significant pain, surgical injury, lifelong scarring, loss of protective tissue, and altered sexual function. These are not theoretical risks, they are documented surgical outcomes. The psychological effects can also be deep and lasting. Many men report feelings of violation, anger, grief, or confusion when they later learn what was removed from them without their consent. Some struggle with body-image, reduced trust in caregivers, or a sense of having been deprived of something meaningful. Some seek therapy or even legal action against parents or physicians to address the emotional and physical impact. And the recurring reports of distress from those who feel harmed should not be dismissed simply because the procedure is culturally common. What makes these harms especially painful is that they were entirely preventable. Many common claims about the supposed "health benefits" of routine infant circumcision are misunderstandings or exaggerations. Some people cite HIV prevention, but the studies they reference involved adult men in specific regions and contexts, not infants. A newborn is not at risk for HIV, and when individuals grow up, far safer and more effective methods exist, such as condoms, regular testing, and modern medications without removing healthy tissue. UTI's are also often mentioned, yet UTIs in infants are already rare. And if they do occur, they are easily treated with antibiotics. We do not remove healthy body parts from babies to prevent low-risk, treatable conditions. There's also the concern of hygiene which is based on outdated assumptions. Caring for an intact child is simple: clean only what is naturally visible, just like any other body part. No surgery is required for normal cleanliness. These points make it clear that routine infant circumcision is not medically necessary and can be very damaging. Preventive surgery on healthy genitals is not appropriate for a child who cannot consent. Routine infant circumcision also conflicts with the fundamental principles of medical ethics. According to widely accepted ethical standards, medical procedures should respect autonomy, avoid harm, and provide clear benefit. Performing this irreversible surgery violates all three. No other healthy body part is surgically removed from children for cultural or cosmetic purposes. Leading medical organizations and human rights experts increasingly recognize that non-therapeutic genital cutting of minors is ethically indefensible. Protecting children from unnecessary procedures is not only a matter of law but also a core obligation of the medical profession. Current U.S. law protects girls from all forms of non-medical genital cutting, regardless of how minor the procedure is. Boys do not receive this same protection. This violates the principle of equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment.Every child deserves the same right to bodily integrity, autonomy, and self-determination. Protecting one sex while excluding another is inconsistent, discriminatory, and ethically indefensible. This is not a call against religion or tradition, it is a call for fairness, medical ethics, and basic human rights. Permanent, irreversible changes to healthy genital tissue should not be imposed before the individual can make their own decision. I respectfully urge you to consider supporting or sponsoring legislation that will: - Prohibit non-therapeutic genital cutting on minors of any sex. - Affirm the right of all children to bodily autonomy and informed consent. - Ensure parents and medical professionals receive accurate education on foreskin anatomy, natural development, and the risks of non-consensual circumcision. Protecting children’s rights to their whole, healthy bodies is both a moral and constitutional obligation. I ask you to stand for equality, ethics, and compassion by working to end non-consensual circumcision in our state and nation. Your leadership can ensure equal protection, uphold medical ethics, and protect children’s rights. I urge you to act now.