Gender

Overview

About Gender

The reality of biological sex is that there are only two sexes, male and female. Biological sex does not exist on a spectrum; its binary nature is unquestionable in terms of human reproduction. There are only two types of gametes, egg and sperm, and one of each are required for a new human life to be conceived. Sex is determined at fertilization and is encoded in the DNA of every single cell of the developing boy or girl. It is impossible for a person to change his or her biological sex. These objective facts used to be self-evident and unquestioned.

However, many in our culture now claim that “biological sex” can be changed. Recently the Supreme Court heard arguments that “biological sex” cannot even be defined and that “gender identity” is what matters. How has sex become obscured by gender, and what is gender identity?

“Gender” has been defined as relating to the social behaviors and cultural norms associated with being a man or a woman. “Gender identity” is a relatively recent term, coined in the 1960s, with an “original clear definition…as ‘the sense of knowing to which sex one belongs.’” However, in its current usage, that meaning has been lost. Gender identity is now entirely subjective, based on one’s feelings, and can stand in direct opposition to the objective material reality of one’s biological sex.

Over the last decade, there has been an exponential rise in the number of young people experiencing gender identity confusion or “gender dysphoria,” especially teenage girls. “Gender dysphoria” is a diagnostic term for the experience of “discomfort or distress” over perceived incongruences between one’s biological sex and gender identity. Ten years ago, the prevalence rate for gender dysphoria was 1 in 10,000. Now, clinical cases have surged to tens of thousands, and self-identification rates are vastly higher.

Experiencing gender dysphoria, feeling that one’s physical body and biological sex are “wrong” can be extremely difficult, and painful. Young people experiencing this distress need help and compassionate care. Since 2017, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended a “gender affirming” approach which supports social transition and medical interventions to change the bodies of children and minors to affirm their feelings. However, is this response in the long-term in the best interest of the suffering young person?

Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) examined the scientific evidence supporting the “gender-affirmative” approach. Consistent with numerous European reviews in recent years, the DHHS review found little, low-quality evidence of benefit and lots of evidence of risks and harms.

Children and even young adults dealing with gender distress need compassionate care, not harmful medical interventions. The Medical Institute stands with the Hippocratic Oath and medical ethics for all, especially vulnerable youth.