Answer
Circumcision has been practiced for religious reasons since ancient times and for health reasons for more than a century. In the United States most newborn males are still circumcised, although in recent years the rate appears to be falling. Although research shows that circumcision slightly lowers the incidence of cancer of the penis and first-year urinary infections, these conditions are uncommon enough that the actual health benefit is small. The exact incidence of postoperative complications of circumcision (local infection and bleeding) is unknown but appears to be from 0.2% to 0.6% [1,2]. Most complications are minor. In 1999, after its Task Force on Circumcision conducted a thorough study of the scientific evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated:
Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision. In the case of circumcision, in which there are potential benefits and risks, yet the procedure is not essential to the child's current well-being, parents should determine what is in the best interest of the child. To make an informed choice, parents of all male infants should be given accurate and unbiased information and be provided the opportunity to discuss this decision. It is legitimate for parents to take into account cultural, religious, and ethnic traditions, in addition to the medical factors, when making this decision. Analgesia is safe and effective in reducing the procedural pain associated with circumcision; therefore, if a decision for circumcision is made, procedural analgesia should be provided. If circumcision is performed in the newborn period, it should only be done on infants who are stable and healthy [3].
Female genital mutilation, sometimes called female circumcision, involves removing part all of a female's clitoris. It may also involve sewing up the opening of the vagina. The Academy [4], the American Medical Association [5] and the World Health Organization [6] oppose this practice because it is disfiguring, has serious physical and emotional complications, and provides no medical benefits. In the United States, it is prohibited by federal law [7], and at least ten states have declared it a criminal act.
For further information on circumcision, search the Academy's Web site with the word "circumcision" in the search box.