The Wire

Mass circumcision in South Africa is being called for by AIDS and HIV experts at the third South African AIDS Conference. Durban is hosting the conference this year which discusses the prevention, treatment and care of HIV and AIDS sufferers. The research into the health benefits of male circumcision looks strong – with the World Health Organisation and the U-N describing the statistics as compelling, and they are now encouraging the use of circumcision as an important tool in preventing the spread of the virus. What are the ethical implications of a medical procedure which has had in the past many vocal opponents?