Operaties bij intersekse kinderen: de norm of een vorm van genitale verminking?

A. Jackelien

Abstract: Genital surgeries on intersex children are not forbidden by law in most countries, in contrast to female genital mutilation. International human rights organizations and activists have brought to our attention that these two practices might not be as different as the various policies make them seem. The aim of this research is to formulate recommendations on the practice of surgeries on intersex children, comparing it to the approach of female genital mutilation. Results were gathered through qualitative interviews with eight stakeholders, namely people who have professional knowledge or experience concerning this matter. Even though opinions on the criminal law aspect of this topic seemed to be divided, consensus has been reached on the need to raise awareness about intersex conditions. Next to that, more research is required on the effects of surgeries and not performing surgery. As for today, these surgeries are not monitored in Belgium, so no one has a reliable view on the prevalence of them. Receiving a better view on this through research and monitoring is therefore required. A prohibition on non medical necessary surgeries on intersex children seems crucial too, to make sure that no doctor performs surgery on an intersex child that doesn?t give its permission. Lastly, a public debate needs to be stimulated about similar practices, for example male circumcisions and genital cosmetic surgeries.