<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful AI assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
I see. That is rather unsettling.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
It's understandable that you may find the practice of metzitzah b'peh unsettling. The tradition has become controversial due to the risks associated with it, particularly the potential transmission of diseases like herpes, which can be dangerous for newborns.

In recent years, many Jewish communities have moved away from metzitzah b'peh and opted for alternative methods of achieving the same goal. Some mohelim now use a sterile glass tube or pipette to suction blood from the circumcision wound, which significantly reduces the risk of infection.

Health authorities in some countries, such as the United States, have issued guidelines and recommendations advising against metzitzah b'peh due to its potential health risks. These recommendations aim to strike a balance between respecting religious practices and ensuring the safety and well-being of newborns.<|im_end|>