Towards an Agency-based Model of Intersexuality, Variations of Sex Characteristics, and DSD Health

Abstract Background The health harms caused by sex-normalising and unnecessary irreversible medical interventions on intersex infants children can include chronic pain, a need for repeat surgeries, damage to sexuality, serious mental problems, sterility. However, access appropriate healthcare is needed - occasionally lifesaving treatments in minors, but more often reparative treatment or condition management those able give consent. A social model of health, drawing disability theory, useful insufficient address issues. Agency bodily autonomy are key this population, paper aims develop an agency-based model. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 40 stakeholders Italy, Switzerland the UK, participant observation action research was carried out activist organisation Zwischengeschlecht. funded European Commission (grant number 703352). Results At present there still deficits which underpinned norms that rigid ideas only discrete categories male female, entrenched practices continue violate minor's integrity, whilst overlooking needs people may have. Key impediments agency body normativity sex gender binarism. Conclusions Agency-based approaches differences development (DSD) focus cessation normalising until under-age person exercise fully informed choice regarding treatment. These be incorporating model's critique pathologisation diversities, supporting provision effective where needed.