Why circumcise? Why not?
Circumcision is a personal decision that parents deserve to be able to make without judgment from others. 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.
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Sometimes the discussion, "to circumcise or not to circumcise" becomes quite heated. Jews and other faiths, circumcise infant males because the act is commanded by God to Abraham our patriarch. Arguments abound on both sides of the question, but often we hear versions of the following emotional statements.
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I want my son to look like me (which obviously, might be applied in either direction) or... More boys are circumcised, so why should my son look differently in the locker room?
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I'll let my son decide for himself when he is old enough even though it will be much more complicated for him.
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If there is any pain at all, I don't want my baby to hurt unless it is absolutely necessary.
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My son is the newest link in our family's chain of tradition, by not circumcising him, does he break the chain?
Many claim circumcision rates are falling and in fact, until recently they were. By most estimates, from the 60's until 2010, rates consistently fell from as high as 80% to just above 50% circumcised in the first month of life. Since 2010, according to the most recent findings, which include data worldwide going back decades, the percentage of males in the US who are circumcised has actually risen to 71%.
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The medical benefits of circumcision are significant but risks exist and it is healthy for these issues to continue to be discussed and debated. Rabbi Glantz keeps up on articles and reports regarding all things medical related to his field. He regularly researches and consults with local pediatricians and urologists and is permitted to perform circumcisions or assist in most local hospitals when called upon.
Of course, if you have arrived at this page of the website, you have likely done web searches and read articles with very strong opinions including blanket statements. Rabbi Glantz has curated through hundreds and provided below what he sees as 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. Findings should be presented free of accusations but with the same accepted methodology demanded elsewhere.
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For further reading see my page with the most up-to-date articles and studies done.
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What is circumcision?
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Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the skin covering the end (technically called the glans, often referred to as the head or helmet) of the penis, called the foreskin.
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Is it recommended?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) writes and posts regularly on the topic of circumcision. Some direct links for your convenience:

Where the AAP stands on circumcision?​

Should we have our son circumcised?

Position of the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
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For further reading click here.
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