Some of you might be aware of this case in South Carolina
(if no, I have posted several sites were you can read about it). It is an older case, but so important I feel
I must comment. A baby boy, identified
only as MC in legal documents, was placed for adoption. As a ward of the state he was subjected to
feminizing genital surgery. Now he is
eight years old and identifies as male.
His adoptive parents, Mark and Pam Crawford are suing the state of South Carolina over the nonconsensual
surgery. The courts have recently ruled
that the case may move forward.
I am stunned and excited about this case. These parents sound amazing and so accepting. Fighting for their son when they are in a unique
position to do so could do wonders for intersex people. I have previously written about the legal
aspects of intersex. Legal remedies for
intersex genital mutilations are hard to come by. Intersex people who are angry about their
surgery realize this long after the statute of limitations has expired. Another problem is intersex surgery on infants
is still an accepted standard treatment and thus is not considered malpractice. They have quite an uphill battle to fight,
but if they win, it would be a HUGE win for intersex rights in America. Good luck to the Crawfords and their legal team. I expect I will be writing more on this case again
as it unfolds.
http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/news/groundbreaking-splc-lawsuit-accuses-south-carolina-doctors-and-hospitals-of-unnece
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/15/mark-pam-crawford-intersex-child_n_3280353.html
http://www.wyff4.com/news/dss-loses-motion-to-delay-case-of-intersex-child/25401094#!U945K
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