Dr. Bennett, why is it called “female genital mutilation” and not “labiaplasty?” The same reason we call circumcision “male genital mutilation:” it’s INVOLUNTARY
Dr. Paul C. Bennet has been placed on the “Known Genital Mutilators” directory at neonatalcutting.org.
And yes, the doctor does perform labiaplasty, but of course mentions its “controversy” (see below) and that it’s done to adults who actually want it. No such controversy cutting unsuspecting little boys.
“About” Dr. Bennett, from his website drpaul.co.nz:
“I was born and raised in Hastings and came down to Otago University in 1971. I completed a degree in biochemistry and then graduated with my medical degree in 1978.
That year I moved to work at the Palmerston North Hospital. I returned to Dunedin to undertake a Diploma in Obstetrics and subsequently joined Dr’s Chin and Williams in their Cargill House Practice in December 1980.
Obstetrics was a large component of my practice for many years. In December 2000 I ceased obstetrics, 20 years to the day I started in private practice.
As well as general practice, I have undertaken minor surgery and have extended this interest over the years. I also have a special interest in Men’s Health.
My wife Cheryl and I enjoy gardening; especially the roses and rhododendrons.
Between us we have five adult daughters who are scattered about the planet.
I also love to get into the kitchen and cook, and have an enthusiastic interest in wine appreciation!”
Did he really say he has a “special interest in Men’s Health?” “Special” as in amputating normal tissue of men-to-be?
Under “Procedures” > “Circumcision,” we read:
What is circumcision?
Circumcision is the removal of the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the tip of the penis. The circumcision procedure is best performed on babies between one and two weeks old, or a small baby 2-3 months old, generally no older. I do not do older child or adult circumcisions.
I have been performing infant circumcisions for over 30 years, using a device called a trimmer. This method results in an excellent cosmetic outcome, and does not require stitches.
What is involved?
What happens during the circumcision procedure?
Firstly, the penis is anaesthetised with local anaesthetic. The nurse then holds the baby while I perform the procedure.
It only takes a few minutes – there is virtually no blood loss, and the baby feels no pain.
When the procedure is finished, tape is placed over the penis shaft, and can be taken off after a day or two.
Most parents report no problems with their baby after the circumcision procedure. For most babies, pain does not appear to be an issue, but an appropriate dose of liquid paracetamol is effective if the baby is upset
What are the major issues and considerations of circumcision?
I continue to perform circumcisions despite current trends in New Zealand, because I wish to provide a safe and experienced service for parents who want their son circumcised. Most of these young patients are circumcised for religious and cultural reasons.
It’s the year 2017, doctor, and no one in their right mind believes that any human – let alone a newborn – “feels no pain” when undergoing surgery of this type with little or no anesthesia. Actually, the American Academy of Pediatrics warns against surgery of this kind in infants, due to their immature nervous systems.
Too bad infants can’t tell us the pain they feel; how fortunate for circumcisors like you that those babies can’t sue you or fight you off, and gee, what a coincidence that you “do not do older child or adult circumcisions.” Perhaps because an older child can fight back and express his wish to be left alone? A lot easier to mutilate helpless infants.
The doctor should be ashamed – and jailed – for mutilating and risking the lives of these children for admittedly religious (not medically valid) reasons.
Where religion and culture is not an issue, I urge parents to think very carefully about why they want the procedure done. Cosmetic appearance is probably not a good argument, and once the procedure has been done, there is no going back.
There are a lot of websites that give both sides of the arguement. Please take the time to look at them if you are considering this important decision and form your own opinion.
http://www.circinfo.net/circumcision_websites_online_discussion_groups.html
http://www.circlist.com/circhome.html
I commend the doctor for admitting there is no medical reason to amputate normal genital tissue, but parents should not be allowed to “think carefully” about any surgery not necessary and not involving THEIR OWN BODIES.
And no, the above links to websites do not include both sides of the argument, they are both pro-circumcision.
Recovery
Are there any side effects or after effects of circumcision?
Complications that can occur with the method I use are infection and meatal stenosis. Other methods of circumcision can result in more serious complications, which is why he uses the trimmer alone.
Meatal stenosis occurs where the urethral outlet of the penis narrows, usually as a result of recurrent irritation or infection from nappy rash. The narrowed urethral outlet sometimes requires surgical stretching to maintain urine flow. I personally have never seen an infection or meatal stenosis in any of my patients.
On the positive side, cancer of the penis is virtually unheard of in circumcised men. The usual treatment for this is amputation of the penis.
Some reports claim less transmission of infections, including sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, in circumcised men when compared to uncircumcised men.
Some studies also show less cervical cancer in the partners of circumcised men.
Further on we see “Labiaplasty:”
Labiaplasty involves the surgical alteration of the sides of the vulva, or female external genitalia, which are composed of two folds of tissue; the labia minora, on the inner side, and the labia majora, on the outside.
Why is vaginal surgery controversial?
It is controversial because who really decides what is “right” or “wrong” or what these structures “should” look like? It has been proposed that pornographic films have been involved in setting the “standard”. Some opponents classify it as genital mutilation.
Most ladies requesting vaginal surgery have asymmetry or have experienced significant enlargement of the labia, sometimes following childbirth.
I take the approach that if a woman is unhappy with the shape of her labia and has seriously thought things through, I am happy to undertake the procedure.
Since Dr. Bennett has incomplete information about circumcision, you can learn more from the video and research listings at neonatalcutting.org.
Dr. Bennett’s practice information follows:
Broadway Medical Centre
2 Broadway
Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Phone: 03 477 4335
Fax: 03 477 4337
Dr. Paul C. Bennett of Dunedin, New Zealand, “Known Genital Mutilator” https://t.co/lb7dbCu3Gd #MGM #intactivism #circumcision pic.twitter.com/ZM8v9ioQOf
— gary costanza (@jerrytheother) May 27, 2017
