Circumcision benefits outweigh risks - pediatricians

CHICAGO (KABC) -- The nation's most influential pediatricians group has changed its position on circumcision for infant boys. The American Academy of Pediatrics now says the benefits of circumcision outweigh the small risks.

Recent research has bolstered evidence that circumcision reduces the chances of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

The academy's old stance said potential medical benefits weren't sufficient to warrant recommending routinely circumcising newborn boys.

In its latest policy statement on circumcision, the American Academy of Pediatrics moves closer to an endorsement, but says the decision should be up to parents and that there's no one-size-fits-all-answer.

The new policy is published in Pediatrics.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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