Key points to remember

• circumcision is the operation to remove the foreskin (the flap of skin naturally covering the tip of the penis)
• there are conflicting points of view about the risks as well as the possible benefits of circumcision
• the Paediatric Society of NZ's position is that there is no medical reason for routine male circumcision
• if circumcision is to be performed, it should be done in a safe, child-friendly environment by an appropriately trained competent practitioner, capable of dealing with the complications, and using appropriate pain relief

Where to go for information

Paediatrics and Child Health Division of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

See the RACP website for:

• a Position statement to provide expert opinion and information to help clinicians and parents to make informed decisions  which includes the following statement:
  After reviewing the currently available evidence, the RACP believes that the frequency of diseases modifiable by circumcision, the level of protection offered by circumcision and the complication rates of circumcision do not warrant routine infant circumcision in Australia and New Zealand. However it is reasonable for parents to weigh the benefits and risks of circumcision and to make the decision whether or not to circumcise their sons
• a parent information leaflet (revised February 2012)