The nation’s most influential pediatricians group says the health benefits of circumcision in newborn boys outweigh any risks and insurance companies should pay for it.
In its latest policy statement on circumcision, a procedure that has been declining nationwide, the American Academy of Pediatrics moves closer to an endorsement but says the decision should be up to parents.
It wasn’t long ago that circumcision was considered the standard of care for male newborns born in the United States. In recent years, vocal opponents of circumcision have equated the procedure with genital mutilation. This AAP policy statement presents data that has been known scientifically for years:
…circumcision reduces chances of infection with HIV and other sexually spread diseases, urinary tract infections and penis cancer…
Others have been concerned about the pain newborns must feel during the procedure:
The academy also says pain relief stronger than a sugar-coated pacifier is essential, usually an injection to numb the area.
I have a feeling this new policy statement will not be the last word on circumcision.