How to Explain Hermaphroditism

There is always the possibility of defects or deformities in any of the bodily parts of a human being. The sexual organs are no exception. The existence of so-called hermaphrodites does not relativize the normative, binary nature of human sex any more than blindness would mean that it is indifferent to human flourishing if someone can see or not. Where there is a defect, we seek to compensate for it, not explain it away.

In any case, as far chromosomes are concerned, the hermaphrodite is always clearly of a determinate sex, although unfortunately he or she suffers from a deformity of the sexual organs. We do not lighten the burden one may bear by denying its importance.