Medical Studies and Circumcision
In short: Circumcision is a personal decision that parents deserve to make without judgment. The medical benefits of circumcision are significant and continue to be discussed and debated, and Rabbi Glantz keeps up on the most current research — the balanced references and studies he has curated are collected below.
We make choices for our children from the moment they are born and we all do our best to choose the best course of action for them... because we have to. Sometimes the discussion "to circumcise or not to circumcise" becomes quite heated.
Why do Jews circumcise?
As Jews, we circumcise our infant males because of the commandment first made by God to Abraham our patriarch, and continuing in a chain of tradition to the current generation.
What does current research say about circumcision?
The medical benefits of circumcision are significant and continue to be discussed and debated. A recent Johns Hopkins study found that newborn male circumcision rates in the US declined modestly between 2012 and 2022.
Rabbi Glantz keeps up on articles and reports regarding all things medical related to his field. He regularly discusses and consults with local pediatricians and urologists and is permitted to perform circumcisions in most local hospitals when necessary.
How do you find balanced information?
If you have arrived at this page, you have likely done web searches and read articles with very strong opinions. Rabbi Glantz has curated through hundreds and finds the most current and useful information on male infant circumcision. A reliable and balanced source is easier to identify when it is free of emotion and vitriol, presenting findings with accepted methodology.
References and Studies
- Is Circumcision Good or Bad? — MedicineNet
- Mayo Clinic guidance on circumcision
- Circumcision — A Surgical Strategy for HIV Prevention in Africa — Katz & Wright, NEJM
- Circumcision Lowers Chances for AIDS — NCBI/PMC
- Does His Circumcision Lower Her Risk for Cervical Cancer? — American Cancer Society / NCBI
- ACOG — Newborn Male Circumcision FAQs
- Circumcision Lowers Risk of Prostate Cancer — Medical News Today
- Benefits of Circumcision Said to Outweigh Risks — New York Times (2012)
- Circumcision statistics — NCBI/PMC
- Anthem medical policy on post-operative infection risk
- Johns Hopkins: Newborn male circumcision rates in the US dropped between 2012 and 2022