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Neonatal Sex Assignment in Disorders of Sex Development: A Philosophical Introspection
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Sri Ramasamy Memorial (SRM) Medical College SRM University, Chennai, India.
Journal of Neonatal Surgery
|September 19, 2017
Summary
Management of ambiguous genitalia, now termed disorders of sex development (DSD), remains controversial due to misconceptions and biases. This article explores the origins of these controversies and offers insights into sex assignment for DSD patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Management of ambiguous genitalia, now termed disorders of sex development (DSD), is a complex and controversial area in medicine.
- Lack of consensus exists regarding the optimal approach to sex assignment in neonates diagnosed with DSD.
- Previous consensus conferences have failed to resolve disagreements among stakeholders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To philosophically examine the root causes and nature of controversies surrounding DSD management.
- To identify key factors perpetuating disagreements in sex assignment decisions.
- To propose evidence-based suggestions for sex assignment in DSD cases.
Main Methods:
- Philosophical analysis of the origins of controversies in DSD management.
- Review of existing literature on DSD and sex assignment.
- Incorporation of author's personal clinical experience.
Main Results:
- Three primary sources of controversy identified: misconception, bias, and conflicting priorities.
- Perpetuating factors include conceptual duality of sexes, confusion between sex and gender, and bias towards specific sexual outcomes.
- Utopian ideals versus reality and unwillingness to compromise further fuel disagreements.
Conclusions:
- Addressing misconceptions and biases is crucial for resolving DSD management controversies.
- A nuanced understanding of sex and gender, alongside realistic expectations, is necessary.
- Informed sex assignment strategies for DSD require integrating literature, experience, and ethical considerations.
Keywords:
Ambiguous genitaliaAndrogen insensitivity syndromeCongenital adrenal hyperplasiaDisorders of sex developmentGender dysphoriaGonadal dysgenesisIntersexSex reassignmentMore Related Videos
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