[carriebft]

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/...iatricians.php

I am so afraid right now.

The revision is sparked, of course, by the HIV/AIDS "studies":

Quote:

"We believe when there's this kind of information coming into play - more and more evidence in various journals - we need to go back carefully and review our policies," Berkelhamer said. "We recommend things for all children when medical evidence is overwhelming compelling." The group's policy statement carry weight. Following AAP's 1999 statement on circumcision, Medicaid programs in several states began limiting coverage of routine, non-therapeutic circumcision, one of several factors contributing to a declining circumcision rate in the United States, health care experts say. Berkelhamer, a pediatrician in Atlanta, said the organization's researchers are in the "literature review" stage, and that it's too early to know whether they plan to endorse routine circumcision. But he wouldn't go so far as to recommend the surgery to expectant or new parents, noting that he's "not terribly uncomfortable with policy as currently written."

 

[carriebft]

Is there anything we can do to influence what happens here? This has the potential to be huge....one way or the other...

 

[christifav]

Why is the AAP considering amputative surgery on infants as a means to lower the incidence of an STD? This is just not making any sense to me. Who the heck knows if there will be a cure in 20 years when these boys enter the "at risk" population? And why advocate an "across the board" procedure for all boys when there is no way to determine during infancy if a boy will grow up to put himself at risk? I'm confused as to why this is even on the table.

I'm hoping against hope that this goes the right way.

 

[Fi.]

Quote:

But he wouldn't go so far as to recommend the surgery to expectant or new parents, noting that he's "not terribly uncomfortable with policy as currently written."

That's at least semi-optimistic. The policy is not great, but it's not horrible either.
Letter writing campaign time?

 

[carriebft]

I think it is no coincidence that the AAP released this press release during the same week as a flurry of articles concerning sensation loss and circ rates dropping also came out.

They need their penis coupons. God please let there be enough clear thinking individuals on the panel so that the statement at least stays how it is...

 

[carriebft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fi. That's at least semi-optimistic. The policy is not great, but it's not horrible either. Letter writing campaign time?

We've got to do something. I just don't know what or even who it should be directed at!

 

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Tell me were to write and I will.

 

[A&A]

Quote:

Originally Posted by christifav Why is the AAP considering amputative surgery on infants as a means to lower the incidence of an STD? This is just not making any sense to me. Who the heck knows if there will be a cure in 20 years when these boys enter the "at risk" population? And why advocate an "across the board" procedure for all boys when there is no way to determine during infancy if a boy will grow up to put himself at risk? I'm confused as to why this is even on the table. I'm hoping against hope that this goes the right way.

:

 

[fishface]

This is so heartbreaking. We have a deal that we won't circ our future boys as long as the AMA and AAP don't recommend it.

 

[melissakc]

The HIV argument completely baffles me. It's not like any health worker is going to recommend anything other than condoms or abstinence to prevent it. No one is going to say, "Well, you're circumcised, so don't worry about HIV." RIC and HIV is just a ridiculous connection and a totally pointless argument IMO.

 

[tuansprincess]

We MUST be able to do something! How do we find out who is on that panel and how to we contact them?

 

[carriebft]

Ok, so do we write to the general AAP address or maybe we can find the address of the head guy Berkelhamer? Last time there was a task force, maybe we can find out who is on the panel reviewing the statement?

 

[~Kira~]

Thinking out loud here....maybe would be best to see what NOCIRC and DOC are doing WRT this and what we folk can do to assist?

I suspect that they have all the proper channels that should be gone through and would be the best guides here.

NOCIRC
[email protected]
Phone: 415-488-9883
Fax: 415-488-9660
www.nocirc.org

DOC
http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcisi...t/contact.html

- Kira

 

[Leiahs]

I have never joined a letter writing campaign. But if they are *actually* thinking of changing circ recommendations for INFANTS who don't face HIV infections, while other countries are seeing through these "studies" and openly dismissing them for the idiocy that they are, you bet your behind that I will join a letter writing campaign in a heartbeat. I cannot imagine the damage that will be done to the intactivist cause if the AAP actually recommends circ based on these flawed HIV studies.

I have to imagine that DOC or NOCIRC might be able to tell us how to get in touch with the AAP and voice our concerns.

 

[carriebft]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~Kira~ Thinking out loud here....maybe would be best to see what NOCIRC and DOC are doing WRT this and what we folk can do to assist? I suspect that they have all the proper channels that should be gone through and would be the best guides here. NOCIRC [email protected] Phone: 415-488-9883 Fax: 415-488-9660 www.nocirc.org DOC http://www.doctorsopposingcircumcisi...t/contact.html - Kira

Good plan! SHould I just write with the link to the article and ask what to do?

 

[SleeplessMommy]

Jay E. Berkelhamer, MD, FAAP
President, American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Blvd.
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

* If you are a medical professional and have observed circs or dealt with complications, be sure to mention this.
* If you have a child, partner, or friend with circ complications, be sure to mention them. Example: "My son was circumcised in an Ohio hospital in 2000 and has a buried penis. He comes home from school crying because his peers tease him about it. " If it is a recent circ done in the USA be sure to mention place/date so we make the point that these complications are happening with current medical practice.
* Start your letter with "Dear sir"
* Less than one page is best, just make your point!

 

[fishface]

Thanks!

 

[gibsonsmom]

I think it's great that everyone is going to do research on how to contact the AAP and submit concerns, etc.

Remember this article says they are going to review, it doesn't mean they will change their stance uniformly. It even states that at this point they aren't changing their position. Personally I think their position now is stupid, it's like "don't ask, don't tell". They should just admit that it's barbaric and say it's unnecessary except in specific instances which cannot possibly be determined or predicted at birth.

There is also another article today, link is:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070618/...NJiHQVKDzMWM0F

Which is pretty wishy-washy but at least gets to subject going in very mainstream news outlets..

 

[fishface]

Woo hoo for the birthing teacher in San Francisco!

 

[smeep]

Why don't they recommend removal of the labia for females as a means of preventing HIV? Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't that also decrease HIV infection (going by the theory of the supposed circ "prevention")?