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Rethinking the Meaning and Management of Intersexuality

Wilfrid Laurier University morgan.holmes{at}sympatico.co

Given that ample research has established that surgery to `correct' the appearance of intersexed genitals is socially motivated, this article is concerned how actual medical practices obfuscate social interests, and what the results of that obfuscation can be. By applying Eric Parens' distinctive means of categorizing medical procedures as either `enhancements' or `treatments' this article argues that the current means of managing intersexuality fit neither category. The article then proceeds to question the logic of dominant medical practice concerned with intersexuality and proposes new ways to think about intersexuality and provide care for intersexed children. Case studies form exemplars that demonstrate the consequences of the medical and cultural illogic at work in early childhood diagnosis and clinical management.

Key Words: children's autonomy • intersexuality • medical ethics • sexual identity

Sexualities, Vol. 5, No. 2, 159-180 (2002)
DOI: 10.1177/1363460702005002002


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