Yoder and FGM

[Sanford Levinson]

Rick writes:

I believe that from this we can
>conclude that there are two medically-reasonable
>options involving male circumcision (to cut, and not
>to cut).

I'm not clear how "we," who are presumably not medically or statistically
trained, can decide whether there are in fact two "medically-reasonable
options" available.  After all, one can find licensed physicians who
endorse what most of the medical community regard as quack remedies.  What
if the strong weight of opinion turns against circumcision as medically
benefial.  Or what if a particular parent says, "I really don't care what
the evidence shows, one way or the other.  The basis of my decision is
conformity with a religious commandment."  Could, e.g., the state require
that a parent read and discuss with a physician the (de)merits of
circumcision before choosing to go ahead?

sandy