Examining autonomy and consent in gender assignment decisions on intersex people in India

Arpita Das

Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Intersexuality, particularly in the Global South, remains under-researched. In this chapter, I explore the cultural, social and medical discourses that guide how key stakeholders, including medical professionals, make decisions about gender assignment of intersex children in India. Autonomy is a key idea explored within trans discourses including “cosmetic” surgeries or gender reassignment surgeries for trans people. For intersex people, autonomy and consent have been contested with different stakeholders often making these decisions for them. This chapter explores ideas of consent, autonomy and participation of intersex people and children in decisions related to gender assignment. How do doctors understand ideas of consent and participation? Is the consent of the individual a significant part of the decision-making process? I tease out different layers of consent and participation in relation to bodily autonomy for intersex people and for doctors through qualitative interviews with doctors from different specialisations across India.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationInterdisciplinary and Global Perspectives on Intersex
EditorsMegan Walker
Place of PublicationSwitzerland
PublisherSpringer
Pages141-154
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9783030914752
ISBN (Print)9783030914745
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

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