New CA Bill Would Limit Genital Surgeries on Intersex Infants

 | 
01/18/2021

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A new first-in-the nation bill would limit medically unnecessary surgeries on intersex children in California; that is, on babies born with anatomical differences in their genitalia. Senate Bill 225 would require parents to wait until the child is six years old to have surgeries that would, for example, reduce a clitoris, move a working urinary opening or create a vagina. Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, who wrote the bill, said these types of surgeries can cause chronic pain, scarring, or worse. “These surgeries can have significant side effects, like permanent sterilization or loss of sexual sensation,” Wiener contended. “And the wrong gender can be assigned.” Opponents of the bill claimed government should not play a role in these types of decisions by parents and doctors. Supporters countered a six-year delay gives parents time to get to know their child before taking this type of action. Hans Lindahl, director of communications for InterAct, a group that advocates for intersex youth, said no one is expecting a six-year-old to make a decision, but rather to be old enough to have some input. “What we’re looking for is time for families and doctors to really understand some of the risks of these procedures,” Lindahl explained. “And at that point, it usually will become clear in what direction a child’s gender identity is shaping up.”

Share this:

Latest Global News

Added on: 12/07/2023
12/06/2023
LGBTQ+ activists have been targeted by authorities in Jordan, in what human rights groups are calling a crackdown on free expression. Jordan’s General Intelligence …
Added on: 12/07/2023
12/06/2023
KAMPALA, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Uganda’s government on Wednesday denounced the United States’ expansion of visa restrictions against its officials, accusing Washington of pushing …
Added on: 12/07/2023
12/06/2023
Draconian laws and repression are forcing Russia’s LGBT community out of the country, but those who cannot escape face an increasingly grim fate. “My …

Explore LGBTQ+ Issues

Other News from ,

Added on: 12/07/2023
KAMPALA, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Uganda’s government on Wednesday denounced the United States’ expansion of visa restrictions against its officials, accusing Washington of pushing …
Added on: 12/06/2023
Hundreds of youth dressed as their authentic selves laughed, danced and watched Indigenous drag performers at a night celebrating queer joy last May. It …
Added on: 12/05/2023
Nineteen states, including Nebraska, joined last week to oppose a proposed federal rule that aims to protect LGBTQ youth in foster care and provide …