( CNN ) -- Scientific evidence shows that the health benefits of circumcising baby boys outweigh the risks , America 's top pediatrics group said Monday . But the `` benefits are not great enough to recommend routine circumcision , '' the American Academy of Pediatrics said in a policy statement , and the decision to circumcise should be up to the parents in consultation with the child 's doctor . `` Scientific research shows clearer health benefits to the procedure than had previously been demonstrated , '' said the group , which represents 60,000 pediatricians in the United States and Canada . It also said the health benefits are great enough for insurance coverage . A debate has emerged over the practice . Circumcision , the removal of the foreskin from the penis , is a religious rite commonly practiced by Jews and Muslims and is a widely accepted and common medical practice . But staunch critics of the procedure say it is not medically necessary and carries the risk of complications and pain . Why I did n't circumcise my sons . `` Scientific research shows clearer health benefits to the procedure than had previously been demonstrated . According to a systematic and critical review of the scientific literature , the health benefits of circumcision include lower risks of acquiring HIV , genital herpes , human papilloma virus and syphilis . Circumcision also lowers the risk of penile cancer over a lifetime ; reduces the risk of cervical cancer in sexual partners , and lowers the risk of urinary tract infections in the first year of life , '' the group said . Johns Hopkins University researchers recently concluded that the rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are likely to climb as American parents increasingly leave their baby boys uncircumcised . `` The medical benefits of male circumcision are quite clear , '' said Dr. Aaron Tobian , an assistant professor of pathology at Johns Hopkins and lead author of the study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine . `` But while the medical evidence has been increasingly more positive , male circumcision rates in the U.S. have been decreasing . '' Mom : Why I chose circumcision for my boys . But such benefits may not trump `` other considerations for individual families . '' The study also says the procedure poses rare risks such as `` bleeding and swelling . '' `` Although the evidence also is clear that infants experience pain , there are several safe and effective ways to reduce the pain . If the baby is born prematurely , has an illness at birth , or has congenital abnormalities or blood problems , he should not be circumcised immediately , '' the AAP said . `` For example , if a condition called hypospadias is present , in which the infant 's urinary opening has not formed normally , your doctor will probably recommend that your baby boy not be circumcised at birth . In fact , circumcision should be performed only on stable , healthy infants . '' And the procedure , the AAP said , `` is safest and offers the most health benefits if performed during the newborn period , '' it said . Newborn circumcision `` should be performed by trained and competent providers , using sterile techniques and effective pain management , '' it said . Dr. Susan Blank , chairwoman of the task force that produced the AAP policy statement and technical report , said it 's ultimately up to the parents . `` Parents are entitled to medically accurate and non-biased information about circumcision , and they should weigh this medical information in the context of their own religious , ethical and cultural beliefs , '' Blank said . AAP : Health benefits of circumcision outweigh the risks . She said parents should speak to a doctor about benefits and risks and `` discuss who will perform the circumcision . '' `` It 's a good idea to have this conversation during pregnancy , and to learn whether your insurance will cover the procedure , so you have time to make the decision , '' Blank said . The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has endorsed the policy as well . `` This information will be helpful for obstetricians who are often the medical providers who counsel parents about circumcision , '' said Dr. Sabrina Craigo , MD , the college 's liaison to the AAP task force on circumcision . `` We support the idea that parents choosing circumcision should have access to the procedure . '' Decline in circumcisions could cost billions .
Circumcision is a religious rite for Jews and Muslims . The health benefits include lower risks of acquiring HIV . The procedure should be performed only on `` stable , healthy '' infants , group says . Ultimately , parents should decide whether to do the procedure , task force chairwoman says .