Circumcision Rate Drops

I have been hearing more and more from parents who are deciding not circumcise their boys. I do wonder what has changed. Are more parents informed about the risks/benefits, does it have to do with the cost, or is it a combination of the two?

FROM NBC: Parents expecting a baby boy face a decision at birth on whether to have him circumcised... in the last decade there's been a change in the trend. The Centers for Disease Control released new information about the incidence of in hospital male circumcision.

When Chanel Pender learned she was expected a little boy. Chanell Pender, Mother:"Right away I knew I was going to get him circumcised. Me and his dad agreed let's get him circumcised." Danel was born August 30th at Memorial Hospital Miramar. He already had his procedure and is going home with mom today.

Chanell Pender, Mother:"Because of what I've read on it, it's better to get the baby circumcised -- less infections, it's easier as they get older so that's really why." The incidence of in hospital newborn male circumcision has actually been declining... according to a new trend report from the CDC.

In 1999 the circumcision rate was 63.5 to 56.3 per cent in 2008 according to a nationwide inpatient sample. Rarely is there a health reason for a child to undergo circumcision at birth says obstetrician Simon Weiss. Dr. Simon Weiss, Obstetrician: "We advise patients that if they want to have a circumcision they should look at it either for religious reasons for practical reasons or cosmetic reasons."

No reason was good enough for Kevin Calle's parents. Esther calle, mother: "We decided not to do it because from what I understand it's just basically an aesthetic decision that parents take sometimes. It's easier to clean." And there are cultural considerations. Among Hispanics like the Calles it's not common practice.

Esther Calle, Mother: "Me growing up I never heard about circumcision -- family friends never heard anything about it." Religious tradition is also a huge factor. Dr. Simon Weiss, Obstetrician: "I'm sure if you did this survey in Aventure which has a high percentage of Jewish population you'll find the percentage is much higher than the trend will estimate." The CDC numbers don't take into account Jewish circumcisions not performed in the hospital. Another factor that influences circumcision rates, whether Medicaid will pay for it. it is not covered in 15 states.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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