Infant Circumcision Informed Consent Data Project

Help us publish a systematic review in the Journal of Medical Ethics about findings from our investigative project into the quality of neonatal circumcision consent forms at major hospitals in MA and NY. A multi-state review of hospital infant circumcision consent forms has never been published before. This review will be an authoritative statement on what information, or lack thereof, is being provided to new parents. The costs of publication are beyond what Intaction has budgeted for 2022, hence we are appealing to supporters of our work to make this happen. Publishing to a peer-reviewed research journal will greatly enhance Intaction’s ongoing efforts to establish protective legislative measures and policy changes regarding the unethical and harmful practice of neonatal circumcision.

 

Working title and abstract:

A systematic review and analysis of neonatal circumcision consent forms in Massachusetts and New York

To achieve informed consent, medical providers must explain the condition to be treated, provide an accurate description of the procedure, list all inherent risks, list potential benefits, and explain alternatives or non-treatment options. This study aims to assess the quality of neonatal circumcision consent forms at the major hospitals in the state of Massachusetts and New York. Multiple methodologies were used to acquire copies of the consent forms since they are not publicly available. This report will discuss our findings in what is now the largest state-wide collection of neonatal circumcision consent forms to date. We will systematically examine the claims, risks, diagnosis, and research citations, and whether neonatal circumcision consent forms in Massachusetts and New York reach the threshold of informed consent. We hope this study will further educate the public and serve as a catalyst for establishing new state regulations regarding neonatal circumcision.

 

Intaction Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) organization and a registered corporation under the Not-For-Profit Laws of New York State.