People born with intersex variations are individuals, and while there are commonalities for those born with the same variation, we all have our unique issues and impacts. This can be overwhelming for parents who are seeking answers, and peer-to-peer parent support can help.
A significant issue facing people born with an intersex variation is surgery, often performed on infants, children and young people, which can have lasting physical and psychological impacts. Where possible, IPSA advises to delay unnecessary surgeries and allow children to participate in decision-making processes about their bodies.
This resource outlines the Darlington Statement, a joint statement by Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand intersex community organisations and independent advocates.
Article by Christopher P Houk, MD, Laurence S Baskin, MD, FAAP, Lynne L Levitsky, MD
2016 "Guardian" article by Jenny Kleeman.
2015 "Guardian" opinion piece by Celeste Orr.
2001 research in "The Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology" by Catherine Minto, Sarah Creighton & Christopher Woodhouse. Concludes that clitoral surgery can damage adult sexual function.
2001 research in "The Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology" by Catherine Minto, Sarah Creighton & Stuart J Steele. Concludes that most children undergoing feminizing surgery require further treatment in puberty and this must be made clear to the parents. Vaginal surgery should be deferred until puberty unless there is a risk of haematocolpos. The requirement for clitoral surgery should be carefully considered on an individual basis.
2010 article in "Hormone Research in Pedeatrics" by Gillam L.H, Hewitt J.K. & Warne G.L. which proposes (1) minimising physical risk to child; (2) minimising psychosocial risk to child; (3) preserving potential for fertility; (4) preserving or promoting capacity to have satisfying sexual relations; (5) leaving options open for the future, and (6) respecting the parents’ wishes and beliefs.
2006 "Pedatrics" article by Peter A. Lee, Christopher P. Houk, S. Faisal Ahmed, Ieuan A. Hughes in collaboration with the participants in the International Consensus Conference on Intersex organized by the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society and the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology
This information sheet was prepared by the Australian Pyschological Association for parents and families of children born with intersex variations and the mental health professionals who work with them.
November 2008 article in "Endocrine Today" by Anne Tamar-Mattis, JD
1998 research in "The Journal of Clinical Ethics" by Kenneth Kipnis, Ph.D. and Milton Diamond, Ph.D.
2000 article in "Yale Policy and Law Review" by Kishka-Kamari Ford.
Information about Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome and our support group.
