Question

***Discuss the ethical considerations that arise in cases where people undergo sex-change operations? Are there any situations in which it would not be ethically justifiable to have such an operation?

Answer 1

Sex- change operations is also known as sex- reassignment surgery.It is the transformation or change of gender from male to female or vice versa by changing their genital structures with reconstructed ones.

Ethical considerations arises in sex changing operation are-

1.Genital organs are replaced with reconstructed genital organs which does not have completely normal appearance and function.

2.This surgery is controversial as it involves the removal of healthy tissue.

3.Individuals undergoing this surgery to release their distress, anxiety due to mismatch in physical appearance and identity.

4.There are ethical considerations relating to the dignity of person . In this transgender should be treated equally in all aspects such as self determination, general respect etc.

5.Consideration also includes responsible caring which include self knowledge, maximizing benefits of well being and reducing harm by desired sex reassignment surgery.

6.The most important ethical considerations include no discrimination of transgender in the society and do not harm them in psychological manner.

There are situations in which it is ethically justifiable not to undergo sex change operations-

1.For these operations ,the person should have good BMI(Body mass index).Because overweight causes difficulty in performing surgery.

2.Person undergoing this type of surgery does not have the conditions such as diabetes, cholesterol,bleeding problems etc.

3.The person should be aware of the side effects of the surgery .All surgeries does not give perfect result.If he/ she does not take the disadvantage then it is better not to undergo these operations.

4.These surgeries are irreversible and it's a lifetime surgery no transformation once done.So individual must be aware of all these conditions and should be mentally well prepared and if not satisfied better not to undergo these operations.