Latesha Switzer

Abstract

This research explores the amount of time needed before assigning a gender to an intersexual infant. It focuses on the physical and psychological effects of early gender assignment for individuals born with ambiguous genitalia. This research also focuses on the importance of biology versus the environment in regard to identity determination. Early gender assignment has a negative psychological effect on individuals, especially if they identify more with the opposite sex. The genital-altering surgery has a negative physical effect by decreasing sexual function and causing loss of sensation in the genitals. This research concludes that early gender assignment is not the best solution to intersexuality, and that it should be delayed until the child is old enough to make the decision for him or herself.

“Is it a boy or a girl?” It is the first question most new parents ask the doctor about their newborn baby. However, for approximately one out of 2,000 infants, the answer is not immediately obvious. The sexual distinction of boy or girl cannot be clearly made because the baby is born with ambiguous genitalia, abnormally developed genitals that do not clearly identify the child as male or female. This condition is known as hermaphroditism and these babies are referred to as intersexes. As a solution to this dilemma, the common practice has been to assign a gender to these babies, perform reconstructive surgery on their genitals, and then raise them within the social standards of the assigned gender. However, even though doctors and parents strive to make the optimal gender decision, some might argue that too much uncertainty exists in infancy to make permanent gender assignment decisions. The question that has surfaced among the medical profession is: Should intersex children have a gender assigned to them in early childhood, or should it be done upon receiving some form of input from the children themselves? This paper will analyze data from various sources representing opposing sides of this controversial issue. Nevertheless, this paper will conclude that irreversible gender assignment should be delayed until doctors and family members know more about the child’s identity.

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