Circumcision at the heart of custody issues involving Florida boy

Deciding what is best for your child is something that can't always be decided ahead of time. When two parents who aren't married have a child, creating a child custody agreement or parenting arrangement can help to alleviate some problems. In some cases, the agreement can lead to issues when one party decides that they aren't willing to follow the agreement. One case in Florida making headlines right now shows how difficult some custody issues can be when one parent isn't following the custody agreement.

The case involves a boy who is now 3 years old. The child is uncircumcised, but per the parenting agreement between his mother and father, his father is responsible for paying for the circumcision. He is also responsible for arranging it to occur.

The parenting agreement was signed in December of 2011 by the boy's mother. His father signed it after she signed it. On Jan. 2, 2012, the agreement became part of the court papers.

Now, the woman is trying to go back on the agreement to allow the father to circumcise the child. She says that it isn't necessary and that she is worried about him having to be placed under anesthesia.

The boy's father wants her to abide by the agreement and let the boy be circumcised. A judge in Palm Beach County Circuit Court ruled that the man could proceed with the circumcision, but the appeals court has issued a stay on that order. Now, the procedure has to wait until a new court order is issued.

The father's chance to get his child circumcised isn't over. According to a pediatric urologist, the boy can be circumcised at any point prior to turning 10 years old. After that, there are risks involved with sutures tearing.

This case shows how important it is for parents to always do what they feel is best for their child. This boy's father wants him to be circumcised. The pediatric urologist says that doing so can lessen the risk of the boy contracting HIV and that only uncircumcised males get penile cancer. Anyone who is dealing with custody issues should understand how to protect their children. Knowing the laws that apply to a specific case might make it easier to make sure the children are protected.

Source:  Orlando Sentinel, "Florida mom sues to stop her son's circumcision" Scott T. Smith, May. 14, 2014