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Medicine, Intersex, and Conceptions of Futurity: Examining the Intersections of Responsibility and Uncertainty

Beight, Debra Lynn
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1246-6599
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1618592071848521

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Bioethics.
The medical management of intersex persons focuses primarily on forms over functions, with limited attention paid to the futurity for these individuals through reproductive capabilities and fertility preservation. Some types of intersex conditions preclude reproductive or preservation options, while other impediments to these capacities stem from surgical interventions to address malignancy risks or from sexual assignment procedures. There is clear documentation for general medical management, debates on the ethical implications of sex assignment interventions, as well as some addressment for fertility preservation options for post-pubertal individuals. Absent is inquiry into medicine’s relationship with intersex futures, and this paper seeks to delve into the driving influences of socio-cultural norms that direct intersex medical interventions. Specifically, I ask what, if any, obligation does medicine have to intersex futurity. By interrogating conceptions of proxy decision-making on open futures, noting hegemonic norms that direct collective understanding, and challenging these norms through queer, disability, and crip perspectives, I have presented the conversations that are being had as well as highlighting the ones that are still needed. Acceptance of fallibility and contributing unknowns gives space to confront responsibilities and obligations, re-evaluating engagement with the norms behind ethical decision making.
Dana Howard (Advisor)
Courtney Thiele (Committee Member)
Jordan Brown (Committee Member)
79 p.
Ethics; Gender Studies
Intersex; fertility; futurity; bioethics; queer theory; disability theory; crip theory

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Beight, D. L. (2021). Medicine, Intersex, and Conceptions of Futurity: Examining the Intersections of Responsibility and Uncertainty [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1618592071848521

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Beight, Debra. Medicine, Intersex, and Conceptions of Futurity: Examining the Intersections of Responsibility and Uncertainty. 2021. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1618592071848521.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Beight, Debra. "Medicine, Intersex, and Conceptions of Futurity: Examining the Intersections of Responsibility and Uncertainty." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1618592071848521

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1618592071848521
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.