Navigating parental decision-making: Intersex surgeries in Italy

IF 4.9 2区医学 Q1 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Social Science & Medicine Pub Date : 2024-11-09 DOI:10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117496

Daniela Crocetti , Marta Prandelli

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Abstract

Decision-making dynamics in Italian paediatric care for Intersex and Variations of Sex Characteristics (VSC) involve a complex interplay between medical practices, parental perspectives, and socio-cultural factors. This article explores how medical professionals and parents make decisions amid cultural debates on gender, the body, and autonomy. It addresses aspects of why surgical intervention, with limited child involvement, is often seen as the ‘only option’ in the ‘conservative’ culture of Italy. The article continues to highlight the rise of parent-led human rights-based activism in Italy, challenging prevailing narratives in intersex/VSC paediatric care. Using qualitative data from two studies, including interviews with 15 Italian stakeholders and 38 Italian parents, as well as participant action research, the article provides insights into Italian medical and parental perspectives. The findings emphasize the need for nuanced support, education, and resources to empower parents in order to uphold the rights and well-being of intersex individuals.

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引导父母做出决定：意大利的双性人手术。

意大利儿科对双性人和性别特征变异（VSC）的决策动态涉及医疗实践、家长观点和社会文化因素之间复杂的相互作用。本文探讨了医疗专业人员和家长如何在有关性别、身体和自主权的文化辩论中做出决定。文章探讨了为什么在意大利的 "保守 "文化中，儿童参与有限的手术干预往往被视为 "唯一选择"。文章继续强调了在意大利由家长主导的基于人权的行动主义的兴起，对双性人/VSC 儿科护理中的普遍说法提出了挑战。文章利用两项研究的定性数据，包括对 15 名意大利利益相关者和 38 名意大利家长的访谈，以及参与式行动研究，深入分析了意大利医学界和家长的观点。研究结果强调，有必要提供细致入微的支持、教育和资源，以增强父母的能力，从而维护双性人的权利和福祉。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Social Science & Medicine PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH-

CiteScore

9.10

自引率

5.60%

发文量

762

审稿时长

38 days

期刊介绍： Social Science & Medicine provides an international and interdisciplinary forum for the dissemination of social science research on health. We publish original research articles (both empirical and theoretical), reviews, position papers and commentaries on health issues, to inform current research, policy and practice in all areas of common interest to social scientists, health practitioners, and policy makers. The journal publishes material relevant to any aspect of health from a wide range of social science disciplines (anthropology, economics, epidemiology, geography, policy, psychology, and sociology), and material relevant to the social sciences from any of the professions concerned with physical and mental health, health care, clinical practice, and health policy and organization. We encourage material which is of general interest to an international readership.