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According to a new policy statement
by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the medical benefits of
circumcision outweigh its small risks, and the procedure should be covered by
health insurers.
Monday’s statement moves the
country’s most influential pediatricians group closer to an endorsement, though
AAP says the decision should be up to parents. “It’s not a verdict from on
high,” said policy co-author Dr. Andrew Freedman, a pediatric urologist in Los
Angeles.
AAP’s previous stance was that the
potential medical benefits did not sufficiently warrant recommending routine
circumcision for newborn males. However, recent research showing circumcision
reduces the chances of HIV and other STD infections, urinary tract infections,
and penile cancer prompted the group to update their 13-year-old policy.
“The benefits of newborn male
circumcision justify access to this procedure for those families who choose
it,” the AAP’s new policy states. Pain relief stronger than a sugar-coated
pacifier - preferably an injection to numb the area - is essential, AAP notes.
Coverage for the procedure, which
CDC estimates costs $200-$600 nationwide, varies among insurers. In 18 states,
Medicaid programs no longer fund circumcision. While US rates have declined
over the years, about half of baby boys nationwide undergo circumcision each
year. The US rate is markedly higher than those of other developed nations,
though rates vary by region and are higher in areas where it is a cultural or
religious tradition. A recent study projected that declining rates could amount
to more than $4 billion in US health care costs in coming years due to
increased infections and illness.
The American Congress of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists participated in the research review that led to
AAP’s new policy and has endorsed it. CDC also participated in the review and
will consider the academy’s update in preparing its own recommendations, an
agency spokesperson said.
To view the AAP policy statement,
visit http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/08/22/peds.2012-1989.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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