NON-MEDICAL CIRCUMCISIONS TO BE DE-INSURED

Released on July 15, 1996

Health Minister Eric Cline today announced changes to the insurance
coverage under Saskatchewan's medical care insurance plan for
circumcision.

Circumcisions that are required for medical reasons will continue to be
insured. However, routine, non-medically necessary circumcisions for
newborns will no longer be covered as of August 1, 1996.

The Canadian Pediatrics Society has released a report recommending that
the procedure no longer be routinely performed on newborns. Only two
other provinces, Manitoba and Nova Scotia, continue to insure
non-medical circumcisions.

More than 3,000 circumcisions were covered under the plan in 1994-95,
most of them performed on infants at the request of parents. In most
cases, the procedure is not considered to be medically necessary and is
done on the basis of personal choice.

"This is consistent with our focus on directing health dollars to areas
of real need," Cline said. "While individuals are asked to cover the
cost of discretionary services, the government is committed to
maintaining coverage for all services that are considered to be
medically necessary."

As of August 1, individuals requesting a routine circumcision will be
required to pay for the service. The amount will be determined by
their physician.

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For more information, contact:

Communications and Public Information
Saskatchewan Health
Regina Phone: (306) 787-3825