Circumcision policy a hot issue as American Academy of Pediatrics convention comes to New Orleans

Article here. Excerpt:

'As pediatricians gather Saturday at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, they'll be greeted by protesters urging the medical group to rethink its position on an issue that makes most people squirm: the circumcision of newborn boys. Although the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend routine removal of infants' foreskins -– that has been its stance since 1999 -– its report, released two months ago, does cite literature saying that the procedure can prevent urinary-tract infections, cancer of the penis and sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

Such benefits, the report says, justify its coverage by private insurance and Medicaid. Louisiana is one of 18 states where Medicaid does not pay for the procedure.

Opponents, who call themselves "intactivists," go beyond mere opposition to the circumcision of healthy infants.

"We say that it's a human-rights violation to tie down a baby and cut off part of his penis," said Georganne Chapin, the founding executive director of Intact America, which will hold a press conference and rally at the convention center at 11 a.m. Saturday.'