New Evidence Points to Greater Benefits of Infant Circumcision, But Final Say is Still Up to Parents, Says AAP 29/08/12 8:56 International HealthyChildren.org Become a Member Professional Resources Continuing Medical Education Advocacy & Policy AAP Store Log In About the AAP Advanced Search AAP.org > About the AAP > AAP Press Room > New Evidence Points to Greater Benefits of Infant Circumcision, But Final Say is Still Up to Parents, Says AAP AAP Facts a a a print email share Health & Safety Tips New Evidence Points to Greater Benefits of Infant Circumcision, But Final Say is Still Up to Parents, Says AAP Public Service Announcements 8/27/2012 Chapters & Districts AAP Press Room Press Room Archive News Features AAP in the News AAP Press Room Media Center AAP Conferences Press Information Media Kits Spokesperson Resources Leadership Bios Donate Now Corporate Relationships For Release: August 27, 2012 New scientific evidence shows the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks of the procedure, but the benefits are not great enough to recommend routine circumcision for all newborn boys, according to an updated policy statement published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The revised policy, like the previous one from the AAP, says the decision whether or not to circumcise should be left to the parents in consultation with their child’s doctor. The policy statement and accompanying technical report from the AAP will be published in the September 2012 issue of Pediatrics (published online Monday, Aug. 27). The documents update the previous policy that the AAP published in 1999 and reaffirmed in 2005. Employment at AAP Advertise with AAP Help/Feedback AAP Department of Communications Phone: 847-434-7877 Email: commun@aap.org Departments & Divisions Committees, Councils & Sections AAP MEDIA CONTACTS Since the last policy was published, scientific research shows clearer health benefits to the procedure than had previously been demonstrated. According to a systematic and critical review of the scientific literature, the health benefits of circumcision include lower risks of acquiring HIV, genital herpes, human papilloma virus and syphilis. Circumcision also lowers the risk of penile cancer over a lifetime; reduces the risk of cervical cancer in sexual partners, and lowers the risk of urinary tract infections in the first year of life. The AAP believes the health benefits are great enough that infant male circumcision should be covered by insurance, which would increase access to the procedure for families who choose it. “Ultimately, this is a decision that parents will have to make,” said Susan Blank, MD, FAAP, chair of the task force that authored the AAP policy statement and technical report. “Parents are entitled to medically accurate and non-biased information about circumcision, and they should weigh this medical information in the context of their own religious, ethical and cultural beliefs.” AAP Department of Federal Affairs Phone: 202-347-8600 Email: kids1st@aap.org Related Information AAP Agenda for Children Strategic Plan: Medical Home The AAP developed the medical home as a model of delivering primary care that is accessible, continuous, family-centered, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally effective to every child. AAP Agenda for ChildrenStrategic Plan: Quality The commitment to quality care is implicit in the Academy's mission of promoting the health and well-being of all children. AAP Agenda for Children Strategic Plan: Disaster Preparedness Priority Initiative Now that the National Commission has completed its work, the DPAC strives to integrate recommendations in the 2010 Report of the National Commission on Children and Disasters into AAP initiatives. Hospital Stay Offers Chance to Help New Parents Quit Smoking The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) announces a new strategy to encourage new parents to quite smoking by approaching them during their hospital stay. AAP Commends US Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) commends US Surgeon General's call to action to support breastfeeding. The medical benefits alone may not outweigh other considerations for individual families. The medical data show that the procedure is safest and offers the most health benefits if performed during the newborn period. The AAP policy recommends infant circumcision should be performed by trained and competent providers, using sterile techniques and effective pain management. The policy has been endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/New…-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%3a+No+local+token Página 1 de 2 New Evidence Points to Greater Benefits of Infant Circumcision, But Final Say is Still Up to Parents, Says AAP 29/08/12 8:56 Gynecologists (the College). “This information will be helpful for obstetricians who are often the medical providers who counsel parents about circumcision,” said Sabrina Craigo, MD, the College’s liaison to the AAP task force on circumcision. “We support the idea that parents choosing circumcision should have access to the procedure.” Parents who are considering newborn circumcision should speak with their child’s doctor about the benefits and risks of the procedure, and discuss who will perform the circumcision. “It’s a good idea to have this conversation during pregnancy, and to learn whether your insurance will cover the procedure, so you have time to make the decision,” said Dr. Blank. ### The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org. 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