Male circumcision is an important and emotionally charged debate in health care.
This story did not discuss the cost of circumcision or its coverage by insurance companies. Currently, some state Medicaid programs do not cover its cost.
There were some quotes about the evidence not being “robust” or that it is lacking in some areas. But the ending quote – often the one that may have the greatest impression on readers – said "we have a lot of evidence for some benefit." But the story didn’t provide much discussion of what the evidence was. At the very least, the story could have mentioned the drawbacks and merits of review articles.
While studies have found that circumcised men in Africa have a lower risk of contracting HIV compared to uncircumcised men, this piece points out that these results may not translate to the U.S., as AIDS is much less prevalent here. Furthermore, in Africa, HIV is primarily spread by heterosexual sex, whereas, in the U.S., men who have sex with men make up the majority of newly diagnosed cases, a point that could have been made here.
Systematic, Criteria-Driven
Puleeeeease... this 'game changer' weight loss drug causes more nausea and vomiting than a placebo. Some game, some change. My friend Gary would spank you for using the eighth word medical reporters should never, ever use. @garyschwitzer @thackerpd
https://www.healthnewsreview.org/toolkit/just-journalists-writing-tips-case-studies/7-words-and-more-you-shouldnt-use-in-medical-news/ https://twitter.com/OttawaCitizen/status/1361426796126830597
A scary @statnews Op-Ed warns that govt attempts to rein in Pharma may cut off access to "life-changing" drugs.
It takes @garyschwitzer to let us know: the author spent 10 years as Pfizer's public-policy chief. https://twitter.com/garyschwitzer/status/1360325022578053123
.@TranspariMED criticizes STAT op-ed for not disclosing pharma funding of author’s institute - similar to criticism we’ve made of STAT op-eds in the past. @transparify @ThinkTankWatch @icer_review https://www.healthnewsreview.org/2021/02/transparency-watchdog-criticizes-stats-non-disclosure-on-pro-pharma-op-ed/
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