@Sqad.
Plenty of epidemiological evidence. Evidence showing vertical transmission from the mother was not causative - negative for HSV-1. Evidence showing no transmission from siblings - either HSV2 or HSV negative status.
Do you challenge the science behind the route of transmission? Do you challenge the epidemiological data? Do you challenge the serious health consequences of HSV in a neonate Sqad?
This particular rite - the "direct oral suction". Is unnecessary. The Talmud does not advocate it. Hasidic Law does not say it has to be performed. Indeed, The vast, overwhelming majority of Mohels/Rabbis eschew such a ritual, in favour of a sterile syringe, or a sterile sponge.
And lets not even talk about how distasteful the whole practice is.
Germ Theory and our knowledge of disease transmission have replaced a rough and ready method of cleaning a wound site. The Talmud specifically instructs the faithful to refrain from practices, holy or otherwise,that are potentially a mortal threat.
This practice is archaic, arcane and unnecessary. It is not even as if NY State are trying to ban the practice ( which i would like to see). Because of politics and politicians scrabbling for the orthodox vote, the freedom to practice arcane, unnecessary ritual is favoured over the clear and present danger that indulging in such practices represents.
It is stone age thinking. It is shameful to potentially endanger innocents by persisting in such practices and most especially when your own holy books do not require such an observance.
We will disagree in many things Sqad - cultural differences and different political / libertarian impulses - but even taking that into account, I am surprised to see you attempting to defend such a practice.
This is the waiver that the NYSHD wish Mohels to distribute to prospective parents, and in turn get the parents to sign a waiver saying they have seen the document. Would you agree that it is clinically correct and uncontroversial?
http://www.nyc.gov/ht...ml/std/std-bris.shtml
Here is the clinical paper - Note the authors. Note the epidemiological evidence. Note the discussion, where it states that since Semmelwiess Talmudic practice is quite happy to allow for means other than "direct oral suction"
http://pediatrics.aap...rch=&FIRSTINDEX=%2520
Here is a qualified Mohel and surgeon explaining why he thinks it unnecessary, potentially dangerous, to perform direct oral suction (bpeh)
http://www.emohel.com/lifeordeath.htm
Still want to defend the practice Sqad?