The Faculty of Theology will be hosting a research seminar entitled ‘Intersex child: Revisiting Holistic Care’
Speaker: Ms Claudia Bartolo (graduated in M.A. in Bioethics)
Venue: University of Malta, Theology Board Room (317)
Date: Tuesday 19 February
Time: from 16:00 to 17:00
Chair: Rev. Dr John Berry
'Is it a boy or a girl?' This is the most frequently asked question whenever a child is born. Although the answer is straightforward in the majority of cases, it is not so clear-cut in a small proportion. Gender is assigned according to the appearance of external genitalia, however, in Malta, between 1 and 4 children are born with atypical genitalia every year.
Being unable to assign a sex to the newborn is not only distressing to the parents, but also creates a dilemma for the doctors who have to guide the parents when making decisions which will often have long-term effects on the child. What does the holistic care of an intersex child entail, and how can the interests of the child and the future adult be protected?
Claudia Bartolo is a wife and a mother. She is also a State Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist specialized in Diagnostic Andrology. In 2010, she graduated with a B.A. (Hons.) in Theology, and in 2015 she joined the course leading to an M.A. in Bioethics. The title of her M.A. thesis is 'The Intersex Child: An Ethical Approach to Holistic Care.'
Tea and coffee will be served prior to the seminar.
The general public is cordially invited to attend this public lecture.
For a temporary parking permit for visitors, kindly email or use this invitation.