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Despite these benefits, the [[American Medical Association|AMA]] does not recommend routine infant circumcision. They state that because the incidence of urinary tract infection in infant males is low to begin with, circumcision is not justified as a preventive measure against this condition; because penile cancer is rare and occurs later in life, the use of circumcision as a preventive practice is not justified; and because behavioral factors are far more important risk factors for acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmissible diseases than circumcision status, circumcision cannot be responsibly viewed as "protecting" against such infections. The AMA concludes that "Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision."<ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</ref>

Despite these benefits, the [[American Medical Association|AMA]] does not recommend routine infant circumcision. They state that because the incidence of urinary tract infection in infant males is low to begin with, circumcision is not justified as a preventive measure against this condition; because penile cancer is rare and occurs later in life, the use of circumcision as a preventive practice is not justified; and because behavioral factors are far more important risk factors for acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmissible diseases than circumcision status, circumcision cannot be responsibly viewed as "protecting" against such infections. The AMA concludes that "Existing scientific evidence demonstrates potential medical benefits of newborn male circumcision; however, these data are not sufficient to recommend routine neonatal circumcision."<ref>AMA report on Neonatal Circumcision[http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13585.html]</ref>

== Female Circumcision ==

== Female Circumcision (FGM) ==

[[Female circumcision]], practiced in parts of Africa, is an ancient tradition in many tribes. <ref> JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/274/21/1714]</ref>  The procedure may range from a simple cut in the pubic region to the complete removal of parts of the female reproductive organs. While the procedure is an important part of some African cultures, there is increased pressure by feminist groups worldwide to ban it.  The benefits of female circumcision include a lower risk of contracting [[STD]]s, increased fertility rates, and lower chances of miscarriage.<ref> JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/274/21/1714]</ref> Female circumcision is often referred to by radical feminists as [[Female Genital Mutilation]], in an attempt to advance [[liberal]] causes.

Female circumcision, practiced in parts of Africa, is a much different procedure that can have lasting effects on a girl's health. <ref> JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/274/21/1714]</ref>  The procedure may range from a simple cut in the pubic region to the complete removal of parts of the female reproductive organs. While the procedure is an important part of some African cultures, there is increased pressure by women's groups worldwide to ban it.  Female circumcision is often referred to in the medical community as [[Female Genital Mutilation]], or FGM.<ref> JAMA Vol. 274 No. 21, December 6, 1995 - Female genital mutilation. Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association[http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/274/21/1714]</ref>

==References==

==References==