The Intersex Society of North America Recommends That "Surgeries Done

question 82

Multiple Choice

The Intersex Society of North America recommends that "surgeries done to make the genitals look 'more normal' should not be performed until a child is mature enough to make an informed decision for herself or himself." Why is this advice necessary given that doctors would usually try to involve a patient in his or her treatment?

• A) There are serious health risks associated with being born intersex that must always be addressed immediately.
• B) So few people are born intersex that no one knows about them.
• C) In our society, the prospect of an ambiguously sexed person seems so threatening that surgical procedures are performed long before a child is old enough to know what is happening.
• D) Intersex is based on secondary, not primary, sex characteristics and these won't develop until later in life.

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Definitions:

Maslow

Refers to Abraham Maslow, a psychologist known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory in psychology on human motivation.

Safety Needs

Basic human necessities for security and protection, including physical safety, health, and wellbeing, ranked as the second level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Maslow

Refers to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs, a theory in psychology regarding human motivation.

Routine

A set sequence of actions regularly followed, creating a structured and efficient way of accomplishing tasks or activities.