Gemma Collins says doctors advised her to terminate pregnancy because baby was intersex
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Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate Gemma Collins has recently shared a heartbreaking story about her experience with doctors advising her to terminate a pregnancy because her unborn baby was intersex. The reality TV star opened up about this difficult time on the Daily Mail podcast Everything I Know About Me.
Collins recalled the moment she found out she was pregnant at the age of 21 with her partner at the time. However, the joy of expecting a child quickly turned into shock and confusion when health professionals informed her that something was not right with the baby. They discovered that the baby was intersex, a term Collins had never heard of before and had to look up for clarification.
The doctors advised Collins to have a termination because they believed the baby would not be “right.” This decision was understandably very sad for Collins, but she ultimately followed their recommendation due to the turbulent relationship she had with the child’s father. Collins, who has been open about her struggles with fertility because of polycystic ovary syndrome, has also experienced three miscarriages in the past.
Intersexuality is a condition where individuals are born with a unique set of sex characteristics that do not align neatly with traditional binary categories of male or female. This can include differences in chromosomes, genitalia, reproductive anatomy, and hormones. The term intersex encompasses a range of rare conditions that involve variations in genes, hormones, and reproductive organs.
According to the NHS, the preferred term for intersex is Variations in Sex Characteristics or Diverse Sex Development. Having an intersex child does not necessarily require any medical intervention other than understanding the baby’s development and knowing what to expect as they grow older.
Campaigners estimate that approximately one in 2,000 live births exhibit intersex characteristics, with one in 200 of these babies born with visibly variant genitalia that do not conform to typical male or female definitions. This means that around 1.7% of the world population is intersex, making them about as common as individuals with red hair.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of intersex rights and advocacy for greater inclusivity and acceptance of intersex individuals. Activists have designed an Intersex Pride flag featuring a purple circle on a yellow background to symbolize the community. Additionally, the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution aimed at combating discrimination faced by intersex people in all areas of life.
Gemma Collins’ story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with intersexuality and highlights the importance of raising awareness and promoting acceptance and understanding for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or expression. It is crucial to support and uplift marginalized communities like the intersex community to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
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