The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines on newborn circumcision, stating that the benefits clearly outweigh the risks, which justifies families having access to the procedure. The revision did not go as far as recommending circumcision for all newsborns but instead recommended each family make the decision based on their beliefs and discussions with their doctors.

The health benefits of circumcision include the prevention of urinary tract infections, penile cancer, and transmission of some sexually transmitted infections, like HIV. Because of the benefits, circumcision should be covered by insurance providers according to the AAP’s revised statement.

The revised statement and accompanying technical report were published in the September issue of Pediatrics. The update applies to previous policy statements made in 1999 and reaffirmed in 2005.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorsed the AAP’s position.