The American Academy of Pediatrics has changed its guidelines on circumcision for the first time in more than a decade. And, despite an overwhelming move toward skipping the procedure, the new language actually sounds a little more positive toward it. As a mom of both a boy and a girl, I am happy about this change.
The AAP hasn't completely gone over in support of circumcision, but the old language sounded a little more neutral. Now it says essentially that the health benefits to the procedure are much more compelling than the risks. Sounds very close to an endorsement, though, no?
Personally, I think it's about the time. The "intactivists" may have some points when it comes to the natural state of a boy's penis. But they have no point when it comes to health. Circumcision wins every time.
Whether or not to circumcise was one of the hardest decisions of my life as a mom. From the moment I found out I was having a boy, I struggled. I live in an area where very few mothers choose to circumcise their sons, and as a mom whose decisions are (mostly) on the "crunchier" side -- long term breastfeeding, co-sleeping, slings over strollers -- I struggled with the question. Even though my cultural tradition was to circumcise, was it a good idea?
More from The Stir: Watch Cameron Diaz Perform a Mock Circumcision (VIDEO)
In the end, the decision was a cultural one, but the medical reasons really pushed my husband and me in one direction. Now, it seems the AAP supports that.
Infants who are circumcised (and later men who are) run a much lower risk of urinary tract infections, HIV, and penile cancer. Circumcision also may help stop certain STDs like Herpes and HPV. Sure, some of the benefits are for their future sex partners, but we also know that there are benefits for them as well. In fact, avoiding circumcision may add over $4 billion in U.S. health care costs. This is for all of us.
Look, this is a personal choice. There are so many opportunities for women to fight over these kinds of issues, but I am glad to see that the AAP is standing up for sound medical reasoning and not being cowed by the bullies who want to trounce over other people's rights to make their own decisions.
Do what is right for you and your family and your son and then shut up about it. Please.
Do you like the new AAP language?
Image via babybizcakes/Flickr
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Comments 350
I agree this is all about money NOT about the health of your child!!! YOU MY DEAR need to do more research on the matter!! There is NO HEALTH BENIFITS TO CIRCUMCISE YOUR SON AND NO REASON TOO EITHER!!! How about this as a mom of both a circumcised boy and one that is intact I can say that I made such a huge mistake for my oldest son and none of my other children boy or girls will be mutilated!!!!!!!
seems you got some justification in making a very terrible decision that you made and feel guilty about. Justification that was paid for by the people who receive cash from cutting baby boys. You should take your own advice and shut up about it.
I am also married to a man with a foreskin. Do you know the *overwhelming* majority of Peri & Menopausal partners of Circumcised men have to use Carcinigenic Estradiol lubricant? A foreskin provides rolling gliding action that is more comfortabke for me.
This is disgusting. "Helps stop certain STDs?" Um no. I believe you have your facts wrong. Condoms help prevent the spread of STDs.You claim this is a personal choice, so great, then it should be a decision left up the the person whose genials are being mutialted for cosmetic purposes. The AAP wants you to believe there are medical benefits because it's all about the money to them. Do your research.
A personal choice you robbed your son of...