The American Medical Association Advocates for Removing Sex from Birth Certificates

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In a significant move for the rights of transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals, the American Medical Association (AMA) has recommended that the sex of a newborn not be included in the publicly accessible sections of birth certificates in the U.S. A report released in June by the AMA’s LGBTQ+ advisory committee stated that labeling sex with a binary classification on birth certificates reinforces a notion of immutability and neglects the diverse spectrum of gender identities.

While the designated sex at birth would still be documented, it would not be available for public viewing. Instead, this information would be submitted to the U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth solely for “medical, public health, and statistical use.” This proposal represents a significant advancement for the LGBTQ+ community, who often face discrimination due to the mismatch between their gender identity and the sex assigned to them at birth, affecting their opportunities in employment, health care, and adoption.

Dr. Emily Carter, an AMA delegate from New York, emphasized the need to view gender as a spectrum. “Forcing individuals to navigate cumbersome administrative processes to align their identification with their birth sex—often determined solely by physical characteristics—is not only unnecessary but harmful to their well-being.”

Historically, birth certificates have been instruments of discrimination. The AMA noted that these documents have been used to enforce racial inequalities and restrict interracial marriage. While the race of an individual’s parents is no longer included on public birth certificates, the sex designation remains, posing similar risks of discrimination.

Despite this recommendation, the journey towards inclusivity is far from over. Currently, only 14 states offer a third gender option on birth certificates, and while 49 states (along with Washington, D.C.) permit individuals to change their sex designation, the process can be complicated, requiring proof of gender-affirming surgery in some cases. Tennessee stands out as the only state that does not allow for any amendments to the gender marker on birth certificates.

This recommendation is a promising initial step toward reducing the challenges and discrimination faced by transgender and non-binary individuals in their pursuit of recognition.

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Summary:

The AMA has made a groundbreaking recommendation to remove the sex designation from the public sections of birth certificates, aiming to reduce discrimination against transgender and non-binary individuals. While this is a positive step, further efforts are necessary to ensure equitable treatment in legal and medical contexts.

Keyphrase: Birth certificates and gender identity

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