Psychosocial Approaches and Discursive Gaps in Intersex Healthcare

Abstract

Abstract Background In the past several decades, conflicting discourses have coexisted in the field of intersex studies, including the pathologizing discourse of the biomedical disciplines and the affirmative, subjective psychosocial discourse of people born with intersex bodies and their advocates. Intersex activists call for a positive discourse and a humanistic healthcare approach that accepts and protects intersex bodily autonomy and change the continuing harmful, traumatic treatments aimed at normalizing variations of sex characteristics (VSC). Methods We created a collaborative German-Israeli action study, in with 30 health care professionals, intersex activists and scholars from Israel and Germany, were gathered to learn different perspectives on intersexuality, interact and work together on projects aim to improve the care for intersex people and families. Results The participants created different collaborative projects, including “intersex workshops” for caregivers and professionals in Israel and Germany; unique materials for raising an awareness, e.g., booklets on intersex bodies with a positive and affirmative approach and language and an article for health care within the ultraorthodox Jewish community; parents' groups and implementation of programs that aim to build bridges between biomedical professionals, caregivers, parents, and intersex people in Israel and Germany. Conclusions The participants increased their knowledge and awareness of and sensitivity to intersex issues, and implemented these in their daily work and practices. The participants acknowledged the differences between the countries, especially in relation to the heightened Israeli use of assisted reproductive technology, which effect on the treatment practices, early genetic diagnosis and the preventive medical attitude. In Germany, more activism for intersex human rights and significant laws which regulate the medical treatment practices.