Circumcision: You Figure It Out

Circumcision is, for many parents, the first major health decision you make for your brand-new baby boy, and it’s a doozy. Maybe you feel strongly one way or the other, but for those of us on the fence, wouldn’t it be nice if the medical profession would just tell us what to do?

Sorry, you’re still on your own. A few months ago, it seemed like public health officials might be on the verge of encouraging the procedure due to studies that show circumcision can reduce H.I.V. infection. But now two medical journals have recently published articles that completely contradict each other. An essay from the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine argues that in light of new evidence, circumcision should be recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. But a piece from Annals of Family Medicine argues the opposite, saying none of the evidence is compelling enough to make a case for medical recommendation. In other words, this one’s on you, Mom and Dad.

Parents of boys, what did you do? How did you make the call?