Ethical aspects of traditional male circumcision among certain ethnic groups in South Africa : the grounds for change and societal intervention

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Traditional male circumcision (TMC) is non-therapeutic ritual removal of thepenile foreskin of a male person undertaken as part of a rite of passage fromchildhood into adulthood and manhood. The practice of TMC has receivedincreased attention in recent years as a result primarily of complications thathave led to hospitalization, penile amputations, and death of initiates.This study is a literature review and philosophical-ethical reflection with thefollowing objectives:• To explain the current problems that beset TMC in SouthAfrica• To explore the socio-cultural context in which TMC takesplace in South Africa• To engage in ethical deliberation on the harms and benefits ofTMC and determine whether, in its current form, the practiceconstitutes a net harm or benefit• To establish the ethical basis on which society ought tointervene in TMC, and to explore the modes of interventionproposed.Kepe (2010:729-730) identifies three concurrent crises that beset TMC inSouth Africa- the crisis of disease, injuries, and death suffered by someinitiates, the crisis of the tension between the government and traditionalleaders with regards to government intervention in TMC, and the crisis of theuncontrolled and negative way in which societal changes have impacted onthe practice of traditional male circumcision. Male circumcision is the mostwidely accepted cultural practice among the Xhosa-speaking people of SouthAfrica, and it is considered to be the only manner in which a boy can attainmanhood and adulthood (Vincent, 2008).In view of the ongoing, unambiguous and preventable harm associated withTMC as it is currently practised, I think that it ought not to be allowed to continue in its current format. But I also think that the defect in TMC isremediable. I therefore feel sufficiently warranted to advocate for interventionto make the practice safer for all concerned. Intervention in TMC may bejustified on public health, socio-cultural, autonomy, and beneficence grounds.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University