Circumcision never became an issue in continental Europe and in most of Asia, where the vast majority of men (approaching 100%) are intact. Religious ritualistic circumcision is still popular in some African, Muslim and Middle Eastern countries. High levels of male circumcision correlate with low levels of personal hygiene, warm climates and the unavailability of water for a daily bath, which are common factors in most of these countries.

According to U.S. News & World Report, "Attitudes are changing and neonatal circumcision rates (in the United States) have dropped steadily during the past three decades from 90 percent to 64 percent." On the West Coast (of the US), hospital circumcision rates are already down to 34%. Circumcision still, however, remains the most commonly performed surgery in the US, but is decreasing at a rate of 2 percentage points per year as parents become better informed about the negative effects of RIC, and the advent of human rights to have a say over one's own body. In Western Europe, less than 10% of males are circumcised today.

During the last quarter of the 21st century, the battle over RIC has become fierce. The pro-circumcision zealots, many with financial interests in performing the procedure, have gradually shifted their "justification" for performing the procedure to the so-called "medical benefits" of circumcision, groping at straws and relying on statistically insignificant "facts" to "justify" their stance.  One reason that circumcision may be so popular in the United States is that it is estimated to be a $400 million business. The usual insurance reimbursement to doctors is around $95. According to the Men's Health article, a busy doctor could generate $25,000 a year from circumcisions alone.