May the Foreskin Be With You! Star Wars - Intact Style!

By Erin Dutra
Director, Intact Rhode Island

I have to admit, I have never actually watched an entire Star Wars movie, but my husband is an avid Star Wars fan, so naturally our kids are too. Over the past few years of making Star Wars Halloween costumes and planning Star Wars birthday parties, I've grown familiar with the characters and become a little more into it than I ever would have expected. I find some of the characters cute - (have you seen an ewok? Adorable!) -  and I become a little excited when I see a Yoda shirt or R2-D2 lunchbox in the store.

My son was born on Star Wars Weekend (an event I only know because of my husband: "May the 4th be with you!" and "Revenge of the 5th"). So in honor of my son's birthday, I decided to create a fun, pro-intact meme that fit with the Star Wars theme to share on Facebook. My original idea was, "Your little Jedi needs his whole lightsaber" ...and then several other ideas started to surface. Soon, I was cracking myself up with witty slogans - I may not be a true Star Wars fan, but I'm clearly a true nerd!

Once I had a handful of graphics created, I could not choose just one for my son's birthday, so I declared the entire week leading up to May the 4th "Intact Rhode Island's Star Wars WEEK." It has been so much fun seeing the response these graphics (and the accompanying informative links) have received. Over the course of the past week they have reached tens of thousands of individuals on Facebook and Pinterest, and have been shared by hundreds. Clearly, there are a lot of Star Wars fans out there, and many of them support leaving babies intact!

I think it's awesome that so many people, who may not otherwise be interested in learning about the benefits of remaining intact and the detriments of circumcision, will be intrigued by fun Star Wars images popping up in their newsfeed and will discover some important information in the process.

Learn more from Erin and her Star Wars Fun Family at Intact Rhode Island.

If you have an Intact Star Wars themed photo you'd like to share, send to SavingSons@gmail.com and we'll include it here as well. ツ

May the Foreskin Be With You

via SOS' WA chapter, Intact Washington

My face when someone says they are circumcising...
Baby Yoda • IntactBaby.org/research

Baby Yoda via IntactBaby.org

When you tell them to research the foreskin, and then watch them discover the truth about circumcision.
Baby Yoda • IntactBaby.org/research

via SOS' MI chapter, Intact Michigan

"May the FORESKIN be with you!"
~Ginger's little sweetie of Intact Wyoming

Christina's cutie, of Intact Iowa, plays in the May 4th sun in his Rumpkinz May the foreskin be with you cloth custom!

Mandi of Intact Michigan writes,
"I tried snapping a picture while my son was awake, but this little guy is a mover and a shaker, so I had to wait until he passed out. May the foreskin be with you!"

May The Foreskin Be With You T-shirts

Made By Momma tee sported by Jess at Intact Michigan today.

"May the Fourth be with you. And enjoy the Revenge of the Fifth!"

Further Intact Star Wars memes from Kristina of Intact Houston:

2018 Remake via Intact Rhode Island -
Use the foreskin, Luke!

Use the Foreskin, Luke!

Wishing you a Happy 4th!

Saving Our Sons Community

Intact: Healthy, Happy, Whole

Raising Boys

Adult Intact Penis Care

By Adam Kelling © 2015

"But what if he doesn't take care of it when he's older...?!" asked a shocked relative on my wife's side of the family upon learning that our son would remain intact (not be circumcised). Little did she know that I am also fully able to enjoy all that I came into this world with, and, like countless men the globe over, I have never had these mythical troubles that so many Americans fear. As I light-heartedly assured her that day, intact care among men really is as simple as this:

Adult Intact Penis Care

1) Remove clothes.
2) Step into a warm shower.
3) Rinse your body as you otherwise would.
4) With a quick lift of one hand and light massage of the other, take 10 seconds to move around and rinse your (intact) penis, under warm running water. Do you retract fully? Great. Retract, rinse, replace. Do you have partial coverage, or not retract entirely? No problem. Rinse whatever is moveable. Water only. No soap (as that causes drying and irritation).
5) When you've finished washing your hair, cleansing your arm pits (use soap there), or whatever else you do in the shower, step out. Dry off. Job finished.

That is it.

Trust me, this is a task that virtually any man on the planet can handle -- and will likely succeed in just fine even if no one ever tells him what to do! Your son will as well, I promise.

Trust that your son will be just fine. He will know how to bathe.

Every mammal on earth is born with foreskin - and no problems staying clean.

The hardest part of cleaning my foreskin is staying in tune!
via Intact Connecticut

Foreskin is natural, normal, and fun -- and cleans with a little rinse, in infancy through adulthood.

Trust that when your son becomes a man, he will know how to shower. Intact care is as simple as water running over the body. IntactHealth.org

United States hygiene myths that shame women, and those that shame men.

"I had to circumcise my pig because he couldn't keep his foreskin clean" said no farmer ever!
via Intact Quad Cities

Silent Survivors Stand

⭐️⭐️ PLEASE HELP ⭐️⭐️ 

We have the opportunity to purchase 3 (used) circumstraints for use with the Silent Survivors Stand. New circumstraints retail at a hefty $560, and we do not wish to support the manufacture of these devices to grow the powerful SSS. However, a clinic is ceasing their practice of circumcision, and selling their 3 for $175 each. Please help us raise these funds so that 3 additional survivors of genital cutting can take part in the deeply moving Silent Survivors Stand at Genital Integrity Awareness Week this year (and beyond), and get them out of circulation -- using them instead for GOOD!

To Give: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=4PNPQPZ55S928&source=url or by mail to:

Saving Our Sons
PO Box 1302
Virginia Beach, VA 23451

We will update in the comments below and on Facebook with our progress toward needed funds to make this purchase, and publicly thank donors at the GIAW Sponsors page (first name only for privacy, or group/business link).

THANK YOU for helping us get these, and to educate and raise awareness year round!!

Note: If you have a business or group you'd like cited as a sponsor of #GIAW this year, please include this information in your PayPal notes or email SavingSons@gmail.com

2019 GIAW Sponsors: https://www.genitalintegrityawarenessweek.com/2019sponsors

#MenSpeak #SSS #SOSSSS #SilentSurvivorsStand #i2

⭐️ THANK YOU to Robert J. (pictured below) for his gift of funding one full (used) circumstraint for these awareness raising efforts! We have been honored to work with you, Robert, over the past decade at educational efforts in D.C. and value your contribution to the cause!

⭐️ THANK YOU to Kirk C. for his generous gift of funding one full (used) circumstraint for the Silent Survivors Stand! Kirk has been an instrumental part of getting GIAW off the ground this year, assisting with 20% of GIAW needs overall as well. The lives we will impact and the numbers we will reach this year will be incredible! 

THANK YOU also to the following individuals for helping to cover the 3rd (used) circumstraint: 

⭐️ Christina H. 

⭐️ Michelle P. 

⭐️ Adrienne C. 

⭐️ Charles W.

⭐️ Noelle L., of Intact Tennessee / Intact Tennessee group for those in-state

⭐️ Gini M., of Intact Nebraska / Intact Nebraska group for those in-state

⭐️ Amber C., of Intact Houston / Intact Texas group for those in-state

⭐️ Gingi Freeman Photography in Visalia, CA: GingiFreemanPhotography.com 

⭐️ Graham R. 

⭐️ Eli S. 

Robert J. who funded the addition of one circumstraint toward the Silent Survivors Stand

Silent Survivors Stand at GIAW 2019:

There will be an SSS for those survivors who wish to participate at the U.S. Capitol 30 minutes before we pack up each evening of GIAW; and 30 minutes after arriving to the White House on Saturday of the GIAW March.

We currently have 10 circumstraints for use in the SSS, and are striving to raise funds for 3 additional. If you have a circumstraint you'd like to donate toward the SSS, or sell to GIAW for a reasonable amount, please message the GIAW FB page or email SavingSons@gmail.com

The SSS is a very powerful performance art piece that greatly moves those looking on. There are no spoken words or movements. Survivors of genital cutting each hold a circumstraint above their head, and/or in front of their chest, dressed casually in their everyday attire, for a moment of silence in deep honor and authentic recognition. Reflecting on this display, one gentleman, Michael, observed, "Silence, used in the right context, is DEAFENING. This can have a profound effect when used properly, and this is certainly one of those instances."

During the SSS, materials are shared quietly and gently with those looking on so that they know what they are observing, and have a place to go for further information. Onlookers tend to gravitate toward this piece, with open eyes and inquisitive minds. Respectful outreach and compassionate connection is possible, and lives are changed for the better.

The Silent Survivors Stand began in 2011 when our beloved friend and fellow advocate, Van Lewis, left this earth, and his wife, Mary Alda, donated his educational circumstraint to Danelle Day of Saving Our Sons.

The first year, three survivors each separately took a stand with our single circumstraint - John B., Jonathon Conte, and David Wilson - in Washington D.C. in honor of Van, and all others impacted by genital cutting.

We have made attempts to add at least one used circumstraint to the SSS in the years since, so that more survivors may participate collectively during public events. Saving Our Sons is exclusively run by volunteers and donation, and we thank you for being a part of this important effort in any way that fits you.

Rosemary Romberg

Rosemary Romberg

02.27.1947 - 02.07.2020

It is with deeply heavy and grieving hearts that we pass along this note from Rosemary Romberg's husband, Steve. 💕

Rosemary has always been a steadfast comrade for the cause, supporter of Peaceful Parenting, Saving Our Sons, all The Intact Network chapters and leaders across the nation, and, more importantly, a kindred friend.

She is a 'regret parent' herself, who spoke compassionately with families about Keeping Future Sons Intact, and always shared her testimony authentically and honestly.

Rosemary remained steadfast in her faith, though storms would brew, and poured her heart into the Whole Christian Network's mission of reaching parents who otherwise thought they had to circumcise "because it's in the Bible."

Her book, "Circumcision: The Painful Dilemma" was one of the first of its kind, geared to parents in hopes of exposing the myths, lies, and misconceptions surrounding #circumcision and paving the way to an intact future. In recent years, she placed her book online for all to read freely: https://circumcisionthepainfuldilemma.wordpress.com

Rosemary purchased the 1981 images from the Saturday Evening Post article on circumcision so they would never be buried and remain publicly seen for the realities of what circumcision is. In 2008, Rosemary shared these with SOS, and they remain a poignant part of genital autonomy history: http://www.savingsons.org/2008/08/saturday-evening-post-december-1981.html

In recent years, Rosemary traveled to DC to participate in Genital Integrity Awareness Week and other events we've co-hosted at the nation's capitol, and even when she was unable to attend, she steadfastly supported #GIAW and its mission. One year she sent a box of handmade bibs and ornaments (put together with love in Alaska) to share with Saving Our Sons families. She had several stampers with intact messages, that she used to plant messages everywhere she went - often between Alaska and Hawaii. 💜

There is so very much more to share and say about this beautiful, amazing, strong, compassionate and wise woman, but for now, tonight, our hearts and love and prayers go out to her dear family. Thank you so very much for sharing Rosemary with us over all these years. Our lives are forever blessed because of her.

“Our generation (I was born in 1947) grew up seeing the adult world as 'the enemy.' We were spanked if we did wrong. We were bawled out and told that we had no right to be frightened and reluctant if we were scared about going to the doctor or dentist. We grew up bullied, so thought that was what parenting was all about. It has taken us a lot of re-thinking and undoing to learn not to be as hard-hearted as our parents, teachers, and others had been to us. A child's feelings should never be invalidated." -Rosemary Romberg on peaceful parenting

Rosemary Romberg - snuggling Lindsey and Adam's sweet baby during a break in Saving Our Sons street education days during the American Academy of Pediatrics conference.

Also by Rosemary Romberg:

• Circumcision: The Painful Dilemma: https://circumcisionthepainfuldilemma.wordpress.com

• From Peaceful Birth to Circumcision Trauma: http://www.SavingSons.org/2018/01/from-peaceful-birth-to-circumcision.html

• Saturday Evening Post 1981 Circumcision Publication: http://www.SavingSons.org/2008/08/saturday-evening-post-december-1981.html

• What About Local Anesthesia? http://www.DrMomma.org/2013/02/what-about-local-anesthesia.html

Rosemary has materials at Keeping Future Sons Intact, the Whole Christian Network, Saving Our Sons, The Intact Network, and Saving Our Sons' Alaska and Hawaii chapters - all areas she helped with.

"The seeds of intactivism have been nourished and watered with the tears of regret parents." -Rosemary Romberg

Rosemary Romberg

Rosemary Romberg with fellow intactivists and friends.

"Be sure to tell people that's my wrist!" -Rosemary Romberg joked as the photo was snapped by Soleil Life photography.

Rosemary Romberg with friends and fellow educators.

One of the 3 stampers Rosemary had Saving Our Sons make for her that she took everywhere, stamping cash and post-its, and planting seeds along the way. She would send us reports of how many "seeds" she planted between Alaska and Hawaii whenever she made the venture.

Rosemary Romberg with fellow advocates - Washington D.C.

Rosemary and Danelle first met in 2005 while Danelle was authoring graduate research on genital autonomy. Over the years they regularly exchanged notes on peaceful parenting and how to most effectively reach new and expecting families.

Rosemary Romberg to those who belittle and attack 'regret parents.'

Rosemary Romberg and her dear husband, Steve Wiener.

Medical Professionals for Genital Autonomy materials were shared at a sidewalk stand for passing pediatricians. One AAP board member took materials into the conference hall and presented them to his colleagues after he had met with us for an hour. He recorded his presentation sharing MedPro materials with fellow physicians, and came back out to share the video and feedback with us. Most pediatricians are NOT in favor of infant circumcision.

Rosemary Romberg showing off her (intact!) David sculpture socks. Her shirt reads: Circumcision: the biggest lie in medical history. Socks photos by James Loewen.

Rosemary Romberg's intact Statue of David socks!

"Since babies have no words, we must speak for them. Their screams must be heard." -Rosemary Romberg

Karen (from Canada) and Rosemary Romberg (from Alaska) traveled the furthest to assist with this Saving Our Sons event.

Rosemary Romberg in response to men who say, "I was circumcised, and I'm fine!"
To the Happily Circumcised American Man:
http://www.savingsons.org/2013/06/to-happily-circumcised-american-man.html

Equal Rights for ALL Sexes - girls, boys, and intersex. Rosemary Romberg was a champion for genital autonomy of all human beings, and the genital integrity of minors. There truly is "No Medical Excuse for Genital Abuse."

In November 2015, Rosemary Romberg was able to meet Penn and Teller in person, and thank Penn Jillette for his continued outspoken advocacy for the genital autonomy of babies and children. She asked Saving Our Sons to add their names to this photo, and be sure to keep the message they BOTH share going forward. Penn & Teller's episode on circumcision aired in 2005 on "Bullshit" (Season 3, Episode 1). It is available to purchase for $1.99 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuRVDpsNMyo

Rosemary Romberg: I stand against ALL male, female, and intersex genital mutilation.

Rosemary Romberg and Danelle Day

Rosemary Romberg on the gentle post-birth time she wished she had with her babies.

Rosemary Romberg's t-shirt sports the well known quote: "Well behaved women seldom make history." Here with James Loewen, whose videos and photos touch countless lives. Watch his interview with Rosemary here: https://youtu.be/8LjEI9Z8N6k

"There is a growing acceptance of the fact that the body is designed correctly, as it normally comes into the world, and does not need to be surgically made different." -Rosemary Romberg

Whole Christian Network cards Rosemary chose to add her Peaceful Beginnings with Rosemary site to, in order to pass them out to everyone she met along her paths.

Are babies and children mere property, from which their parents can slice off pieces on a whim? Or are they human beings with rights, needs, and feelings of their own? -Rosemary Romberg

"In any other context, if someone were to forcibly restrain an infant or child, and do something to hurt their genitals, we would not hesitate to call this child abuse. What mystical, irrational, nonsense has caused us to consider this acceptable?" -Rosemary Romberg

"Only after learning facts piled upon facts did I fully realize the wrongness and absurdity of cutting the genitals of helpless, sensitive infants. It is a painful awareness, but one that so many of us, who at one time felt brainwashed to perceive circumcision as 'the norm,' have now awakened to the blatant reality of." -Rosemary Romberg

What we do in life, echoes in eternity. You've made a real, lasting difference, Rosemary!

Mother Loses Baby to SIDS and Cautions Parents to Protect Their Own from Circumcision

The following is a letter to Saving Our Sons:


I want to thank you for all you do in educating people about the cruel and unnecessary act of male genital mutilation. You work to open so many minds on this archaic process built on lies.

I recently lost my second son to SIDS at 24 days old. He was a beautiful healthy baby boy who tragically passed away in his sleep. The medical examiner found absolutely nothing wrong with him. He had an extensive autopsy, and all reports showed nothing wrong.

The hospital I birthed him at kept asking me over and over again if I was going to have him circumcised. Everytime my answer was a clear NO! A day later as I nursed my sweet, perfect baby boy, a nurse came into my room and said, "I am here to take him for his procedure."

I asked, "What procedure?"

She answered, "His circumcision."

I said, "He is NOT being circumcised."

She replied, "Well, he is on the board out in the nurse's station to be circumcised."

I said, "Absolutely not! I don't know who put him on that board but I have clearly stated over and over he is not to be circumcised."

She turned red in the face and apologized. She said someone must have made a mistake.

My point is that a parent has to be diligent in making sure that even though they say NO to genital cutting, that is not done 'by mistake.'

After losing my baby boy I realized that I had to speak up and say something. I am having a difficult time as it is, and if he had suffered that unimaginable pain in his short life I would never be able to live with myself. I just want to warn other mothers and fathers. Some parents send their babies to the nursery to get some rest, and if they take them to circumcise, then the parents would not know until it is too late.

One thing I take solace in is knowing my son never had to experience any suffering, including circumcision. If I had not questioned that nurse he would have been wheeled away to face mutilation that no baby boy deserves.

❤ Audrea

Awareness raising stickers and cards at Etsy