American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that infant circumcision although poses potential risks; its health benefits overshadow them. The group has published guidelines for the same.

However, they have left the final decision to be taken by parents, which is whether they are in favor of the surgery or not.

The US pediatric group suggested the change, after scientifically it was proven that the surgery would help limit the possibilities of urinary tract infections and also restricts the risk of developing penile cancer and also reduces chances of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV and HPV, which ultimately lead to cervical and other cancers.

Initially in 1999, the group made a statement, which was somewhat neutral, that is neither in favor nor against the surgery. However, the recent statement, made this Monday, which has been published in the journal Pediatrics, emphasizes that the surgery should be done in case of newborn males. Moreover, families, who opt for the surgery, should be allowed.

Dr. Andrew Freedman, a pediatric urologist in Los Angeles, said “We're not saying you have to have it. We're saying if a family thinks it is in the child's best interests, the benefits are enough to help them do that”.