Factors affecting the practice of circumcision
D. A. Patel, E. G. Flaherty and J. Dunn
In 1975, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stated that there is "no
medical indication for routine circumcision of the newborn." A survey was
conducted among Chicago-area pediatricians, obstetricians, and family
practitioners to determine what impact this statement had on their approach
to circumcision. Hospitals were also surveyed to determine whether the
AAP's statement had caused a change in the frequency of circumcision in
area hospitals. Only 49% of the physicians were aware of the AAP's
position. Forty-one percent recommended routine circumcision; 15%
recommended against the practice. Age, medical specialty, religious
customs, and concerns about hygiene and cancer all appeared to influence
the physicians' approach to circumcision. The frequency of routine
circumcision. The frequency of routine circumcision was 70% to 90% and
remained unchanged in the three years following the AAP's statement.