#59: The Case Against Circumcision with Intactivist Georganne Chapin, MPhil, JD

We kick off our two-part Circumcision series— a topic you all have been begging us to cover for the last two years!— with none other than the Executive Director and Chairperson of Intact America, Georganne Chapin MPhil, JD.

There is nothing we shy away from in this episode. Don't worry, we don't walk on any egg shells. While debunking common circumcision myths, like how this surgery helps to prevent UTIs, STDs, and HIV, is fun and intriguing, Georganne reminds us that it's important to shift our focus away from debunking myths (don't worry, we still do!) and instead onto exercising our innate common sense about the necessity of this practice. You'll hear about the origins of this surgery, which countries do it and why, and the undeniably uncomfortable details of the procedure itself. This isn't for the faint of heart, but if you are going to put your son through this, then you should know what it entails, FULLY.

Georganne explains why circumcision is not exclusively a men's issue, and why circumcision has a lasting effect on women from the mothers of circumcised sons to the future female partners of circumcised men. Women DO have a voice in the circumcision debate, and soon-to-be moms should not sit on the sidelines while tasking their husbands to call the shots on this permanent, life-altering choice on behalf of their son.

We learn about the lasting trauma of the procedure, the function and benefit of foreskin, how the trends and stats have changed over time in regard to the choice to circumcise, and why we prefer the term "intact" over "uncircumcised."

Follow @intactamerica on instagram
Check out Intact America's resources

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• This Penis Business, Georganne's book
• Intact America
• Circumcision, an Elephant in the Hospital Excerpts - the video April references
• Skin in the Game Event in New York with Alan Cumming April 30th, 2025!
• Foreskin Day 2025 Video

Support the show

THANKS TO SPONSORS:

Wild Nutritionist!

Use code MOTR to save 35% off Mama Baby Biome Method AND First Foods Plan

and

TEMPDROP!

use code momsofftherecord at checkout for 10% off your fertility awareness method Basal Body Temperature (BBT) armband here

Stay Connected With Me:

Subscribe to Moms Off The Record on YouTube

JOIN THE MOTR PRIVATE COMMUNITY here

Book a potty training 1:1 consult with me here

Discount codes & links to my favorite courses and products here

Love Moms off the Record? You can directly support the show here

Thank you for leaving a rating and written review on Apple and Spotify! This is the best, free way to support the podcast.

Follow MOTR on instagram here