The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) has released a position paper warning that society at large is in danger of “denying the reality of biological sex”. The paper, “Sex is a Biological Variable of Medical Significance” addresses the problem of erasing biological sex.

ACPeds Vice President and co-author Dr Michael Artigues stated, “Biological sex differences are real and impact all organ systems. They affect the tendency to develop certain diseases, alter responses to drugs, toxins and pain, and also result in important physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral differences between the two sexes.” For these reasons, the NIH recognizes sex as a binary biological variable in research and medical practice.

Acknowledging the fact of inborn genetic sex differences is also crucial for creating sound public policy. Genetics is why a male who self-identifies as female remains male, and explains why giving estrogen to a male does not transform him into a female. While it is true that a male using estrogen will lose muscle strength and impair other aspects of his physiology, he does not alter his genetics; he remains male at the cellular level in all body systems. Similarly, a female who self-identifies as male remains female, and giving her testosterone does not transform her into a male. In terms of genetics, she remains female at the cellular level.

Dr Michelle Cretella, executive director of the ACPeds and co-author of the statement explained, “Females, who self-identify as male, including those on testosterone, remain genetically female and should not be housed with males in homeless shelters or prisons, nor should they be competing against males in sports. Males, who self-identify as female, including those on estrogen, remain genetically male and have no objective reason -- let alone a right -- to be housed with or competing against females. Just as a female doping testosterone would be prohibited from competing against other females, so too should all males be barred from competing against females.”

The paper notes that there a very small number of people with disorders of sex development (DSD), causing a combination of male and female sexual characteristics.

These rare DSD conditions are frequently associated with reduced fertility reflecting the fact that they are biological disorders not additional sexes. Individuals with gender dysphoria are separate from people with DSD conditions and yet self-identify as something other than their biological sex. Individuals with DSDs may require medical and/or policy accommodations depending upon their specific diagnosis.

Binary spokeswoman, Kirralie Smith, commended the authors for addressing the facts.

“Politicians and health care professionals must have accurate and scientific facts to inform public policy,” she said.

“It is essential for the protection of children and women’s sex-based rights.

“Biological reality must be the determining factor, not a political-ideological agenda that seeks to erase women and puts children in harm’s way.”