In response to a parental demand for female genital cutting, the American Academy of Pediatrics proposed a "harmless nick" in lieu of the more traditional female circumcision. In light of recent controversy and increased attention surrounding both male and female circumcision, the AAP has rescinded their statement.
"'We retracted the policy because it is important that the world health community understands the AAP is totally opposed to all forms of female genital cutting, both here in the U.S. and anywhere else in the world,' said AAP President Judith S. Palfrey.
The contentious policy statement, issued in April, had condemned the practice of female genital cutting overall. But a small portion of statement suggesting the pricking procedure riled U.S. advocacy groups and survivors of female genital cutting.
In the April statement, the group raised the idea that some physicians should be able to prick or nick a girl's clitoral skin in order to 'satisfy cultural requirements.' The group likened the nick to an ear piercing.
On Thursday the AAP stated the group will not condone doctors to provide any kind of "clitoral nick." The AAP also clarified nicking a girl or woman's genitals is forbidden under a 1996 federal law banning female genital mutilation." - Stephanie Chenn, CNN
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