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Even though I had a gut wrenching response of "no" when first reading this question, I understand that there are some instances where doctors need to maintain the ability to do such surgeries. In the greater context of many intersex babies being born there will be a few who will need to have immediate genital surgeries for health safety and these will ultimately result in a determination of physical male or female. In today's genetic age it would be a relatively simple task to determine what X or Y chromosomes the child carries and thus determine the baby's sex. This would be a less questionable practice.

Though these surgeries are referred to as cosmetic, there is often a preventative measure involved with them. Excess tissue can lead to urinary blockages or physical discomfort on the part of the growing infant. Infections also occur if parents are not aware of how to care for the sensitive tissues, usually prepared for one type or the other. This is the same reasoning behind the continuation of circumcisions of male babies.

Also, to perform the surgery at such a young age would allow for natural healing with more pliable and adaptive tissues. It also minimizes mental stress incurred during such a process. An older child would be traumatized by the loss or reshaping of tissue and waiting until adolescence or adulthood could lead to other more traumatic identity issues surrounding the physical ambiguity. Although I do not believe that doctors should play God with the sex of babies I do believe that they should play doctor, doing what is necessary to save the baby from harm whether it be infection, skin disorders, urinary tract obstruction, or future traumatic surgeries.

Learn more about this author, Alicia M Prater PhD.
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