In: Psychology
Gather information and opinions from those who have been affected by checking Internet sources. A good place to start is the Intersex Society of North America (http://www.isna.org/). Another website filled with nonmedical information is http://www.healthyplace.com/gender/inside-intersexuality/frequently-asked-questions-from-non-intersexed-people/menu-id-1427/.
Given this information, do you think it is ethical for young children to undergo surgery to correct intersex conditions? Why or why not?
As stated by Intersex Society, Intersex is a condition in which the child cannot be categorised as a male or woman. As the body cannot be categorised as a male or a female body, this causes parental distress. In which case, they think it is easier to use surgical measures at birth to correct it.
It still does not justify this ethically, as it comes down to the fact that the child is the patient and not the parent. It should be the child's decision on what should be done with their condition. There can be problems in this as well. This condition will shape the personality of the child. A surgery can help reduce the parents' stress and the self-conscious of a child's body in later life.
This needs to be dealt with care and sensitivity. In these scenarios, taking the help of a medical professional needs to be mandatory. This condition should not be led by the views of the society and the traditional values. The child should have all the information and there should be no secrecy and the child should decide what the best option is.