Pediatricians: Circumcision Benefits Outweigh Risks

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics says the benefits of circumcision for baby boys outweigh the risks.  But the group says the benefits aren’t great enough to recommend the foreskin removal for every boy.

The statement comes as only about half of baby boys in America are being circumcised.  That compares to 80 percent forty years ago.

More parents are deciding they don’t want to make the decision for their kids.  Some even think it violates a baby’s rights. FOX 4 Medical Reporter Meryl Lin McKean talked with Dr. Kevin Burgert of Pediatric Associates who says the decline is also related to less insurance coverage of circumcision.