Betsy and Janet each spoke a bit about their experiences growing up with unique bodies and genitalia. Janet spoke about how it is wrong in a tolerant society to surgically alter a child's genitals to conform to societal perceptions of what is considered normal, and urged adoption of the new patient-centered protocol. Betsy spoke about her coming out as an adult activist speaking up about her opposition to genital surgeries on non-consenting infants and children. She also urged an end to the practice of treating children born with atypical genitals under a cloak of secrecy and shame.

Also on the panel, Joan Whelan, who shared her experiences of growing up with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Joan is one of the oldest survivors of genital surgery who speaks publicly on the issue. Debbie Hartman, the mother of Kelly, a seven year old born XXXYO also gave a very moving presentation on the struggles she has encountered raising a child that was surgically and sexually reassigned at the age of 11 weeks. You can see more of Debbie and Kelly's story in the video, Redefining Sex, available online at ISNA. William Reiner, MD, Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University presented on the ethics of non-consensual infant genital surgeries. He questioned the validity of a practice with no documented long-term follow up. Kelly Leight of the Cares Foundation was also on the panel.

Look for us at Sex Week in January, 2004!

To read more about the Human Sexuality Program at UMDNJ, please visit their website.