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
s it just me or does circumcision seem (regarding info from this article) a little bit of an extreme resolution to help prevent STD's and UTI's, when proper cleanliness and safe sex, i.e. condoms, is just as effective. It does not say getting circumcised will 100% effectively block against UTI's, cancer orSTD's. I feel like this is a stretch by the medical field. Imagine if they said in order to prevent broken bones, infections, possible burns - it would be more sound to cut off your arm at birth? I mean come on even pro circumcision persons have to admit this reason AAP gives is not enough to support it. It seems like a way to keep the cash flow for this procedure since more people in the US are opting out of this procedure.
To each his own, I guess. But regarding this article/author it seems you tried to stay neutral in some parts but it's pretty obvious where you stand. Knowing the connotation this subject brings you should have just made it an opinion piece and not a informative one, I read more of your opinion than data here. I'm sure this AAP info will sway some people, but everyone should do their own research on each side, it's a major procedure do not let anyone say otherwise.
"trounce over other people's rights to make their own decisions" - you are taking away men's rights to make their own decisions. It's not the intactivists who are taking away rights. They are trying to give rights to the person they belong to.
this is just horrible. perhaps people should actually know some facts about the procedure before posting incorrect articles. there is not one benefit from this operation.
P.S. What do you think about Windows 2012?
this was an easy choice for me. my husband gets to chose and he said yes to it!
Your pro circ stance disgusts me. Actually isn't has been shown that due to the open wound after circumcision, the baby is more prone to discomfort and infection. It is are rare, not serious and can be treated with antibiotics. STIs are prevented by condoms and are also easily treated.