The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is set to release its new policy on circumcision later this year. According to a January 19, 2010 article in the “Washington Post”, the AAP Task Force on Circumcision met outside Chicago the week before to begin finalizing its newest circumcision position.
Dr. Susan Blank, Chairman of the AAP Task Force, said this concerning the new position: “It could end up being anything from: It ought to be done on every male; on only some males; or only if the parents want it to be done. It could fall anywhere along the spectrum.”
Washington Post article: “Debate on circumcision heightened as CDC evaluates surgery”
Blank makes no mention of the only acceptable choice regarding circumcision of male children. Physicians and parents must respect the human rights of all male children to their own bodily integrity and self-determination and say NO to circumcision. Members of the Task Force must be reminded that male and female children alike have a right to equal protection under the law. The new AAP policy must recognize and respect these basic human rights. Anything less is unacceptable.
Please contact the Task Force members and insist that the right of male children to be protected from circumcision be honored by the AAP in its newest position statement.