AAP Statement 1999

The American Academy of Pediatrics policy on circumcision is published in the March 1999 issue of Pediatrics.

Although the AAP says that the medical benefits of circumcision are not significant enough to recommend the procedure, their statement leaves wide latitude to continue circumcision for non-medical reasons. This is clearly a violation of medical ethics (physicians are only allowed to perform surgery when medically necessary).

***Press Release:  The Circumcision Information Resource Centre issued a Press Release in response to the statement.***

Many organizations involved in children’s advocacy and genital integrity have also issued press releases:

• Circumcision Information and Resource Pages has extensive coverage, with annotated full text of the AAP Statement, a press release, and pointers to other press releases.
• NOHARMM (National Organization to Halt the Abuse and Routine Mutilation of Males)
• NOCIRC (National Organization of Circumcision Information Centers)
• NOCIRC of North Dakota
• NOCIRC of North Carolina
• NOCIRC of Illinois
• ARC (Attorneys for the Rights of the Child)
• National Organization of Restoring Men (N.O.R.M.)
• Circumcision Resource Center (Boston)

Media Coverage of this latest AAP Statement to date will be made available as we are made aware of the stories. Here is a sampling:

• The Toronto Star Is Circumcision Really Necessary? (12 Mar, 1999)
• BBC News Routine circumcision ruled out
• CNN Pediatricians turn away from circumcision.
• Dr. Dean Edell Circumcision: A closer look Extensive coverage including photos, FAQ, editorial, links
• NPR All Things Considered (requires RealPlayer)
• NPR Talk of the Nation (3 Mar, 1999)
• Health Central News Pediatrics panel says no to routine circumcision
• Time Magazine Unkindest Cut? (15 Mar, 1999)
• Detroit Free Press Circumcision traditions challenged Desiree Cooper bravely dissects traditions of genital cutting, male and female.
• Atlanta Journal Constitution Pediatricians group: No significant benefits to circumcision (Associated Press)
• Cleveland Live/Cleveland Plain Dealer Pediatricians doubt value of circumcision (Associated Press)
• Bergen Record Pediatricians revise circumcision stance
• Spokesman Review/Spokane.net Circumcision unnecessary, pediatricians say (e-mail comments solicited)
• EurekAlert American Academy Of Pediatrics Releases New Circumcision Policy
• ScienceDaily American Academy Of Pediatrics Releases New Circumcision Policy
• Electronic Telegraph Cut back on circumcision, says report
• Jewish Telegraphic Agency Jews unlikely to cut circumcision
• The Oregonian Pediatric group won’t routinely recommend circumcision
• The Toledo Blade Michael Woods: Pediatricians still question circumcision
• The Salt Lake Tribune The Circumcision Decision (11 Mar, 1999)
• Ob.Gyn.News Analgesia Urged for All Circumcisions (15 Mar, 1999)