Intersex resolution receives unanimous support from Australian Medical Association delegates

The Australian Medical Association held its National Conference last weekend and in exciting news, Dr Thomas Drake-Brockman moved for the AMA to “recognise Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics as natural variations in humans, oppose pathologisation of Intersex people, and call for the deferral of all non-urgent medical and surgical interventions for those who cannot given personal and informed consent”. Dr Jasmine Davis seconded the motion and…

...the motion was passed with unanimous support from the National Conference!

The motion will now advance to the Federal Council, where Dr Drake-Brockman says it “can be expected to drive significant policy and advocacy work across the AMA”.

Dr Drake-Brockman announced the exciting result on social media:

“Innate Variations of Sex Characteristics (sometimes called Intersex) have historically been and continue to be pathologised, with Intersex people subjected to irreversible surgical or hormonal “normalisation” procedures. Often performed on infants and young children, without robust evidence of long-term benefit, and without the person's informed consent. Such interventions can cause lifelong physical complications, chronic pain, infertility and profound psychosocial harm. Recognising this harm is the first step. Next we must call for legislated protections, guidelines founded in lived-experience and evidence, and the social progress towards a future where we are all accepted in all our similarities and differences and live our full and best lives.”

Dr Drake-Brockman thanked Dr Jasmine Davis and their Doctor in Training colleagues who were a powerful, progressive, and fabulous force for the future of medicine in Australia throughout the weekend. They also thanked InterAction’s own Associate Professor Morgan Carpenter for his “time and wisdom”.

Morgan warmly welcomed their work and the outcome, commenting:

“We’re grateful for the amazing allyship of the medical doctors who proposed this motion, and also the support of all those voting in favour. We know that there are so many great doctors around Australia who understand the need to change current paediatric practices, and provide holistic lifetime care in line with individuals’ values and preferences. This really shows the depth of that support, in a space that is often wrongly pitted as a source of opposition to reform. Thank you to Thomas, Jasmine, and all AMA delegates, for this strong message for reform, respect and protections.”

Read the first announcement by Dr Drake-Brockman on LinkedIn