Opting for or against circumcision is one of the most important decisions a parent can make for a newborn boy. (Fotolia.com / August 27, 2012) http://www.kidsdr.com Many new parents ask me about the pros/cons of circumcising their newborn sons. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a new policy statement today (Aug. 27) on circumcision, stating that the health benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks.
The AAP made its last recommendations on circumcision in 1999. The new policy statement will also be published in the September 2012 issue of the journal Pediatrics.
The policy was formulated after a significant review of the scientific evidence. The AAP statement does not recommend routine circumcision for all newborn males, but does believe that "the benefits are enough to warrant access to the procedures for those families choosing it, and should be covered by insurance." This is a stronger statement regarding the medical benefits of circumcision than was made in the 1999 policy.
Circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of sexually-transmitted infections including HIV, syphilis, HPV and genital herpes. Circumcision has also been shown to reduce the risk of penile cancer, as well as cervical cancer in sexual partners. Circumcision also reduces the risk of urinary tract infection in a baby's first year of life.
Although the AAP does not "routinely recommend" circumcision, they do believe that the final decision remains with parents, according to the statement, which is the same language used in the 1999 policy statement. The policy states that "parents are entitled to factually correct and non-biased information about circumcision and must be allowed to weight the health benefits and risks in light of their own cultural, religious and personal preferences."
So, if you're having a new baby boy, discuss the AAP policy as it relates to circumcision, and ask your own doctor about the details of the new policy statement. It's important that every parent ask questions and make a decision for their newborn son based on the best science available. As a parent, you will make many decisions for your child based upon not only science but also on your own beliefs.
Every parent is forced to make key decisions for their child throughout the child's life, and opting for or against circumcision is one of the first and most important ones a parent can make for a newborn son.
(Dr. Sue Hubbard is a nationally known pediatrician and co-host of "The Kid's Doctor" radio show. Submit questions at http://www.kidsdr.com.)
