Changes

In males, '''circumcision''' is the surgical removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the penis. This operation is usually performed early in a child's life. Circumcision is a common practice not only in the [[United States]] and the [[Middle East]], but throughout the world and history.  It is generally not practiced in most of Europe and largely unheard of in Eastern Asian countries.  Ritual circumcision is common in the [[Jewish]] and [[Islam]]ic faiths, but uncommon altogether in [[Asia]], [[South America|South]] and [[Central America]], and most of [[Europe]].<ref>[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision]</ref>  Circumcision was an outward sign of the covenent between God and the Jewish people as told in the [[Bible]] in the book of [[Genesis]].  

In males, '''circumcision''' is the surgical removal of the foreskin which covers the head of the penis. This operation is usually performed early in a child's life. Circumcision is a common practice not only in the [[United States]] and the [[Middle East]], but throughout the world and history.  It is generally not practiced in most of Europe and largely unheard of in Eastern Asian countries.  Ritual circumcision is common in the [[Jewish]] and [[Islam]]ic faiths, but uncommon altogether in [[Asia]], [[South America|South]] and [[Central America]], and most of [[Europe]].<ref>[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision]</ref>  Circumcision was an outward sign of the covenent between God and the Jewish people as told in the [[Bible]] in the book of [[Genesis]].  

Circumcision rates in the US have been declining since 1965, due in part to statements from the [[American Academy of Pediatrics]]<ref>AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS - Task Force on Circumcision - Circumcision Policy Statement [http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/aap1999/]</ref><ref>[http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marcircum.htm AAP Press Release - NEW AAP CIRCUMCISION POLICY RELEASED]</ref><ref>PEDIATRICS Vol. 103 No. 3 March 1999, pp. 686-693 - AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS:  Circumcision Policy Statement [http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/3/686]"A statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on September 1, 2005."</ref> and the [[American Medical Association]] <ref>[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision]</ref> discouraging the practice.  While it varies regionally, in 2004 about 57% of newborn boys in the US were circumcised.<ref>[http://www.cirp.org/library/statistics/USA/ United States Circumcision Incidence]</ref>

Circumcision rates in the US have been declining since 1965, due in part to statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics<ref>AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS - Task Force on Circumcision - Circumcision Policy Statement [http://www.cirp.org/library/statements/aap1999/]</ref><ref>[http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/marcircum.htm AAP Press Release - NEW AAP CIRCUMCISION POLICY RELEASED]</ref><ref>PEDIATRICS Vol. 103 No. 3 March 1999, pp. 686-693 - AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS:  Circumcision Policy Statement [http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;103/3/686]"A statement of reaffirmation for this policy was published on September 1, 2005."</ref> and the [[American Medical Association]] <ref>[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision]</ref> discouraging the practice.  While it varies regionally, in 2004 about 57% of newborn boys in the US were circumcised.<ref>[http://www.cirp.org/library/statistics/USA/ United States Circumcision Incidence]</ref>

The procedure lasts only ten minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness, and this is a normal part of the procedure.

The procedure lasts only ten minutes and is often performed in a hospital before the baby is taken home. Local anesthesia and antibacterial ointment are used to prevent pain and infection. Some boys may experience a small amount of bleeding or redness, and this is a normal part of the procedure.