Powerful new evidence supports male circumcision. | Tomorrow's World

Powerful new evidence supports male circumcision.

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Considerable research supporting male circumcision has surfaced over the last decade.  As a result, The American Academy of Pediatrics just reversed its 13-year stance.  A five-year review of more than 1,000 circumcision studies resulted in the Academy’s conclusion:  “Systematic evaluation of English-language peer-reviewed literature from 1995 through 2010 indicates that preventive health benefits of elective circumcision of male newborns outweigh the risks of the procedure. Benefits include significant reductions in the risk of urinary tract infection in the first year of life and, subsequently, in the risk of heterosexual acquisition of HIV and the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections” (Pediatrics, September 2012, Vol. 130, No. 3).  The Academy also recommends insurers begin covering the procedure (ibid.).

While the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the procedure, there are still many opponents.  A court in Cologne, Germany, recently ruled that infant male circumcision opposes “the fundamental right of the child to bodily integrity” (CBS News, August 27, 2012).

Roughly 4,000 years ago God commanded Abraham to be circumcised (Genesis 17:11-13) and continued this command with the Israelites (Leviticus 12:3).  By giving these commands, God was ultimately protecting baby boys (and their future wives), and instituting a practice that would keep them healthier than their enemies—and even blessing their descendants (Deuteronomy 7:12-15).  Science is simply “uncovering” the powerful physical reasons why God gave this loving command so long ago!