SB 201 would ensure that people born with variations in their sex characteristics and genitalia are given the opportunity to provide informed consent before any medical treatments that could irreversibly affect puberty, sexual function, or fertility, including reducing a clitoris, creating a vagina, or removing healthy gonadal tissue.
California Senator Scott Wiener announces SB 201 alongside interACT staff, organizational supporters, and the next generation of Stanford Medical School students.
San Francisco–Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced legislation to ensure intersex individuals—a term used often used by people born with variations in their sex characteristics, including genitalia—can provide informed consent before any medical treatments or interventions that could irreversibly affect their fertility or sexual function. Senate Bill 201 would not prohibit intervention when medically necessary. This long overdue measure will give individuals the opportunity to delay medically unnecessary, potentially harmful, irreparable procedures until they have the ability to make an informed decision for themselves. SB 201, at its core, is about giving people born with variations in their sex characteristics autonomy over their own bodies and lives. Acting is risky, while waiting costs nothing. Delay gives individuals and their families the most options, including access to future medical advances once the patient can understand their own risks.
Approximately 1-2% of people are both with variations in their sex characteristics, sometimes referred to as intersex traits. A subset of these variations are recognized at birth, while others may go unnoticed until later in life, if ever. Although a very small percentage of intersex infants may require immediate medical attention—for example some are born without the ability to pass urine—the vast majority are able to live rich, fulfilling lives without any modification to their genitals.
Human Rights Watch