Multi-stakeholder opinion statement on the care of individuals born with differences of sex development: common ground and opportunities for improvement

• Published in: Hormone research in paediatrics
• Main Authors: Cools, Martine, Cheng, Earl Y, Hall, Joanne, Alderson, Julie, Amies Oelschlager, Anne-Marie, Balen, Adam H, Chan, Yee-Ming, Geffner, Mitchell E, Gravholt, Claus H, Güran, Tülay, Hoebeke, Piet, Lee, Peter, Magritte, Ellie, Matos, Dina, McElreavey, Ken, Meyer-Bahlburg, Heino F L, Rink, Richard C, Springer, Alexander, Szymanski, Konrad M, Vilain, Eric, Williams, Jo, Wolffenbuttel, Katja P, Sandberg, David E, Subramaniam, Ramnath
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 12.02.2024
• ISSN: 1663-2826
• DOI: 10.1159/000536296

In the last 15 years, the care provided for individuals born with differences of sex development (DSD) has evolved, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches. However, these developments have not convinced some stakeholders to embrace the current model of care. This care model has also paid insufficient attention to socio-cultural differences and global inequalities. This article is an opinion statement, resulting from in-depth discussions and reflection among clinicians, patients, and family support organizations based in the US and Europe, where we seek areas of common ground and try to identify opportunities to further develop resources. The product of these conversations is summarized in 10 panels. The corresponding sections provide additional discussion on some of the panel items. Participants identified areas of agreement and gained a deeper understanding of the reasons behind disagreements on certain matters and identified the necessary steps to foster future consensus. We offer preliminary recommendations for guiding clinical management and resource allocation. By promoting a broader consensus, we aim to enhance the quality of care and well-being for individuals of all ages who have a DSD.