The question "How many babies are born with both genders?" is not accurate. Babies are not born with both genders. However, some babies are born intersex, meaning they have sex characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female. It is more accurate to ask how many babies are born intersex, or with ambiguous genitalia.
Understanding Intersex Variations
It's important to clarify that intersex variations are not about having "both genders." Instead, they represent a diversity of sex characteristics that may include:
- Chromosomal variations: Different combinations of sex chromosomes than the typical XX or XY.
- Gonadal variations: Differences in the development of testes or ovaries.
- Hormonal variations: Variations in the body's response to hormones.
- Genital variations: Differences in the appearance of external or internal genitalia.
One specific form of intersex is when a baby is born with "ambiguous genitalia," where it is unclear at birth if the baby is a boy or a girl.
Statistics on Intersex Births
According to the reference provided:
-
Most medical scientists estimate that approximately 1.7% of babies are born intersex. This means that out of every 100 births, roughly 1 to 2 babies are intersex.
-
A study reported in June 2019, indicates that the incidence of babies born with “ambiguous genitalia” is approximately 1 in 1000. This is a more specific form of intersex where the baby's genitals are not clearly male or female.
Clarifications on "Both Genders"
It is essential to understand that the idea of a baby being born with "both genders" is a misunderstanding of intersex variations. Intersex conditions are not about possessing both genders, but about having a variation in biological sex characteristics.
Conclusion
It's inaccurate to ask about babies born with "both genders". The more appropriate question concerns intersex births. While the overall rate of intersex babies is about 1.7%, the more specific condition of "ambiguous genitalia" appears in about 1 in 1000 births according to the provided reference. These numbers clarify the biological variations occurring, moving away from the inaccurate idea of dual genders.
