The American Medical Association (AMA) recently released new guidelines regarding the process of assigning a sex to a baby at birth. In their recommendation, the AMA advises that the sex of a child should not be assigned or listed on a birth certificate until the child is able to determine it for themselves.
According to the AMA, this change is intended to promote greater inclusivity and support for those who identify as transgender or nonbinary. Forcing individuals to conform to binary gender categories at birth can be traumatic and stigmatizing, particularly for those whose gender identity does not match the sex assigned to them at birth.
As the AMA notes, sex assignment at birth is often based on outward appearances, which may not align with a child’s true gender identity. Additionally, many individuals who are trans or nonbinary may not discover their gender identity until later in life. By allowing individuals to choose their gender identity without the constraints of a binary system, the AMA believes we can create a more supportive, inclusive society for all individuals. From a neutral standpoint, I can ascertain that the debate around gender identity is an important and sensitive topic for many individuals, and it is important to value and respect everyone’s right to choose the gender identity that is most authentic to them. The AMA’s recommendation certainly challenges traditional gender norms, but it also recognizes the importance of creating a society that is more accepting and inclusive to all individuals, regardless of their gender identity. Ultimately, it is up to society to decide how we want to approach this issue and how we want to support those who may experience gender dysphoria or have a gender identity that falls outside of traditional norms.