Making Sense of Intersex: Changing Ethical Perspectives in Biomedicine

Putting the ethical tools of philosophy to work, Ellen K. Feder seeks to clarify how we should understand "the problem" of intersex. Adults often report that medical interventions they underwent as children to "correct" atypical sex anatomies caused them physical and psychological harm. Proposing a philosophical framework for the treatment of children with intersex conditions―one that acknowledges the intertwined identities of parents, children, and their doctors―Feder presents a persuasive moral argument for collective responsibility to these children and their families.

Ellen K. Feder teaches philosophy at American University.