AMA Opposes Legal Restrictions on Infant Circumcision

At a meeting in New Orleans, leaders of the American Medical Association voted Tuesday to adopt a policy opposing any attempts by cities or states to ban infant male circumcision. "There is strong evidence documenting the health benefits of male circumcision, and it is a low-risk procedure," said a statement from AMA President Dr. Peter W. Carmel. "Today the AMA again made clear that it will oppose any attempts to intrude into legitimate medical practice and the informed choices of patients." The policy statement originated with the delegation from California, where activists had proposed initiatives to ban the procedure. CDC is developing recommendations regarding male circumcision, which some African studies have found significantly reduces the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission.