Actually, all of the Abrahamic religions historically espouse(d) circumcision...EXCEPT Christianity. It's kind of amusing that you (Chefmike) are relating the issue to "Christian fundamentalism."
Frankly, in the medical world (and especially in 3rd world countries), circumcision shouldn't have anything to do with infant rights. With AIDS as rampant a problem as it is, and circumcision proven to be a significant and direct prevention technique to the spread of AIDS (and a host of other STIs), circumcision is quite necessary. The fact of the matter is, people do not use protection, and child prostitution is a way of life for many families. Even with circumcision, the dangers will never cease, and with education so ineffective in places like rural India, people are ignorant to the dangers. Even equipped with the knowlege, and with protection, HIV simply spreads much more easily with uncircumcised penises.
It's sad that here in America people are so hung up on rights that they'd rather see thousands and potentially millions die simply from ignorance. As much as some of you may think it is someone's "right" to leave their child uncircumcised, it is not their right to spread HIV and other invasive diseases to their children, spouses, communites. And that is simply what failing to circumcise (among other easily-done and cheap procedures to ensure future health in developing countries) is: a means to that end.
And SarahG, in many cases in developing countries, a mother bearing for the 3rd or even 2nd time can and often does mean death for the mother and often the child. A close friend of mine is a PHd researching this very subject - the effects of circumcision on the spread of HIV and STIs, as well as on the subject of women's medical rights in India. After much discourse with her, there is no doubt in my mind that forced tubal ligation in women is necessary. What you don't understand is that without it, they will keep birthing children until death. As soon as they give birth, they are impregnated again; this all leads back to the lack of condom use in India (and other 3rd world countries). As much as you educate, and as much as you try to spread awareness...it doesn't change the fact that without forced tubal ligations, you are condemning them to certain death. Impoverished, malnourished women are not fit to give birth time and time again. But it is NOT their choice to have sex. This is what you must understand. A woman there does NOT have the right to say no to sex or subsequent impregnation.
Like I said, granting these "rights" (to negate natal circumcision or to avoid tubal ligation) often means ensuring a patient's right to death. Not only their death, but the likelihood that they will keep spreading these invasive diseases.
