Genetic Tests for Intersex Infants Missing in Tamil Nadu Government Hospitals
· India · The Hindu, Hindustan Times
Karyotyping and other essential genetic tests for children born with intersex traits are unavailable at most government hospitals in Tamil Nadu, forcing families to rely on expensive private laboratories. Nearly seven years ago, the Tamil Nadu government banned sex-reassignment surgeries on intersex infants and children following a Madras High Court ruling, mandating a specialized multi-disciplinary panel to assess any life-threatening situations. Doctors and activists emphasize that improving the State's genetic infrastructure is vital for the accurate diagnosis and understanding of variations in sex development. Clinical geneticist M. Kathirvel noted that certain differences of sex development require genetic investigations at birth, highlighting the urgent need for better testing facilities. Experts argue that bridging this diagnostic gap is critical to ensuring comprehensive care and bodily autonomy for intersex children.
Why it matters
Families of intersex infants in Tamil Nadu face financial strain and diagnostic delays because public healthcare facilities lack essential genetic testing infrastructure.
Read the original report — The Hindu
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