Intersex Children
Children born with variations in their sex characteristics – sometimes called intersex variations – are often subjected to "normalizing" surgeries that are irreversible, risky, and medically unnecessary. Approximately 1.7 percent of people have an intersex trait, meaning intersex variations are not uncommon, just often misunderstood. Human Rights Watch works to document and advocate against all surgical procedures that seek to alter the gonads, genitals, or internal sex organs of children with atypical sex characteristics too young to participate in the decision, when those procedures both carry a meaningful risk of harm and can be safely deferred.
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United States
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United States
News
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Massachusetts Medical Society Supports Intersex Rights
Elective Surgeries Should Be Patient’s Choice
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Indian State Bans Unnecessary Surgery on Intersex Children
New Government Committee Should Include Intersex Perspectives
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Push is on in Australia to End Intersex Abuses
Rights Commission Consultation Exposes Harmful, Unnecessary Medical Practices
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Medical Experts Call to Defer Unnecessary Intersex Surgeries
New European Guidelines Reflect Intersex Patient Advocates’ Views
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US Medical Association Stands Against Unnecessary Intersex Surgeries
Policy is Part of Growing Momentum to Respect Bodily Diversity
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California: Resolution Affirms Intersex Rights
First State to Condemn Unnecessary Surgery on Intersex Children
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Chicago Protest Demands Informed Consent for Intersex Patients
Medically Unnecessary High-Risk Surgeries Should Stop
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Surgery Conference Cuts Intersex Patients Out
Intersex Advocates Demand Inclusion and Informed Consent
