• The maternal instincts and experiences of women uniquely qualify them for the important responsibility of caring for infants and protecting them from pain and harm.

• Research demonstrates that women are generally more sensitive than men to the needs and feelings of infants, and newborn infants recognize, prefer, and are more responsive to their mothers.¹

• Generally, because they are not themselves circumcised, females are not subject to the personal psychological motivations of circumcised men to perpetuate the practice (e.g., "I want him to look like me").²

• According to a recent study, circumcision can adversely affect female sexual enjoyment.³

• Any adverse psychological consequences of circumcision on males may adversely affect male-female relationships.⁴

• Because of the prevalence of circumcision in the United States, some potential adverse psychological effects of circumcision on males (known/unknown) may have indirect adverse social effects on women.⁵

• Mothers sign the majority of hospital circumcision consent forms.⁶