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Should I Have My Boy Circumcised?
Policy Statement by The American Academy of Pediatrics About Circumcision

by Jerry Kennard
for About.com

Updated November 14, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

There is no right or wrong answer and the decision to circumcise really seems to depend on parents making an informed choice. If you are undecided you may find the following policy statement helpful.

Policy Statement by the The American Academy of Pediatrics

A policy statement on circumcision by the American Academy of Pediatrics was issued in March 1999 The policy states :
"Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In circumstances in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. If a decision for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided."

Image circumcised and uncircumsised men

More Information about Circumcision

Article Sources Include:
Circumcision Information for Parents. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2 Nov 2006 <http://www.aap.org/pubed/ZZZJZMEMH4C.htm>.

Lannon, MD, MPH, Carole M.. "AAP Policy." Circumcision Policy Statement. 01 May 2006. American Academy of Pediatrics. 1 Nov 2006 <http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics%3b103/3/686>.

"National Center for Health Statistics." Trends in circumcisions. 4th Oct 2006. Centers for Disease Control. 23 Oct 2006 <http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/pubs/pubd/hestats/circumcisions/circumcisions.htm>.

"CDC HIV/AIDS Science Facts." Male Circumcision and Risk for HIV Transmission: Implications for the United States. Aug 2006. Centers for DIsease Control. 3 Nov 2006 <http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/PDF/circumcision.pdf>.

Neonatal circumcision revisited. Mar 2004. Canadian Paediatric Society. 3 Nov 2006 <http://www.cps.ca/english/statements/FN/fn96-01.htm#Abstract>.

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