While many billboards on the side of the road often go unnoticed, there is one in Galveston, Texas, that is generating quite a bit of buzz. Nestled between advertisements for local businesses, the billboard warns against the negative effects of circumcision, and addresses an issue that many dads across the U.S. feel very strongly about, The Galveston County Daily News reports.
The billboard is emblazoned with the words, "Circumcision: unnecessary, painful and risky, causes lifelong sexual harm," and refers to an anti-circumcision group, Intact America. The organization claims it's not behind the advertisement, but it is in support of its message.
"Our mission is to do away with forced, unconsented circumcision of children," Georganne Chapin, executive director of the group, told the news source. "The United States is interesting in that we’re one of the only countries in the world that does this."
Although there have been several studies in recent months that have sought to indicate the health benefits of the procedure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has yet to come out in support of one position or another.
The concerns seem to be heard by the general public, however. According to the CDC, the circumcision rate was down to 32 percent 2009, a steep drop from the 56 percent rate in 2006.