HaLeiVi -“Opinion is one thing. Attacking others publicly and inviting government intervention for his ‘opinion’ is beyond the pale.”
This comment I agree with, but there is a Limud Zecus for Rabbi Dr. Tendler. It seems he helped publish an article written in the AAP mag “Pediatrics”, awhile ago. It seems Docs in Israel have basically proven that MBP causes HSV-1 in infants.
So I understand his frustration because it seems that e/o is ignoring the 800 lb. gorilla in the room.
Awhile ago I called for a panel to discuss this issue and come out with recommendations. As far as I know the “powers that be” have Not done anything of the sort. It seems they have swept this under the carpet just like the molestation issue.
So I’ll recommend guidelines myself and here they are:
1. All Mohelim should be tested for HSV 1 & 2.
2. Those that test negative should be retested every 3 months.
3. Those that test positive should not perform MBP without explaining the risks to the parents; it doesn’t have to be a written explanation.
4. If the parents want the Mohel that is HSV pos. to go ahead anyway with MBP, then the Parents should be given the option that the Mohel has to take antivirals, starting a few days before the Mila, to lessen the chance of the infant picking up the HSV.
The Mohel doesn’t have to continue taking the drugs after the Mila, unless he wants to.
5. Those Mohelim that don’t want to comply with this guideline should Not be allowed to practice Mila!
Now the only problem is getting the Gedolim to implement the guideline.