Research Article
Circumcision
The American Academy of Paediatrics issued a policy statement in 1999 declaring that routine male neonatal circumcision is unwarranted by scientific evidence. The current task force on circumcision found that:
“Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision.”
Further, the task force stressed that “any benefits of the surgery-are minor.”
However, the experts did note that:
“It is legitimate for parents to take into account cultural, religious, and ethnic traditions, in addition to medical factors, when making this decision.”
The study’s authors also sited evidence indicating that infants undergoing circumcision do experience pain and consequently, the statement recommended analgesic use during the procedure.
Task Force on Circumcision. Circumcision policy statement Paediatrics 1999; 103 (3): 686-693
This study suggests the benefits associated with circumcision do not outweigh the risks for the infant. The message is clear… there is no firm evidence to recommend circumcision from a clinical standpoint.
