Circumcisions Down in U.S.

To circumcise or not to circumcise? That is the question. If the data is any indication, it seems that the recent answer for many new parents is “not.” According to The New York Times, a little-known researcher at the International Aids Conference shared news last month that circumcisions in the U.S. were down to an all-time low of 32.5 percent in 2009.

Blogs and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have been quick to challenge the data, cautioning people against taking these statistics as definite. But the downward trend appears to be certain, as more and more couples elect not to circumcise their sons – at least not right away.

This is a topic that is of particular interest to me, as I’m expecting baby #2 in a few short weeks. Though we don’t know the sex, it could obviously only go one of two ways and I’m feeling torn about what to do if a little boy arrives. The medical community remains divided on the subject. My husband is of the pro-circumcise school of thought, but I remain a bit more…cautious. Many of my friends and family have echoed the trend -- and have opted against the snip.

So I’m curious, Parenting readers: Did you circumcise your son? How did you make your decision? Inquiring pregnant mommy wants to know.