Article 4: Sex and gender are distinct variables critical to health

Question 1

Importance of acknowledging existence of sex binary

Answer 1

1. Sex is defined as a biological trait determined by genes and reproductive organs. This is not arbitrary.
2. Gender is linked to sex, but gender is not an innate and immutable biological trait like sex.
3. Research suggesting that the human body reflects sexual mosaicism rather than sexual binary has been refuted. Although they share a lot of traits, genes present on sex chromosomes at fertilization impart significant innate molecular differences between men and women.

Question 2

Importance of biological sex differences in health care

Answer 2

Sex based differences explain disparities in:

1. Propensity for developing certain diseases.
2. Responses to drugs, toxins, and pain.
3. Cognitive and emotional processing.