Sex being binary is bad science, says Scientific American Op-Ed.

Debating the Binary Nature of Human Sex

Is Sex Binary or Not?

An opinion piece published in Scientific American has sparked a heated debate about the binary nature of human sex. The article, titled “Here’s Why Human Sex Is Not Binary,” argues that claiming sex is binary is “bad science.” Written by Princeton University anthropologist Dr. Agustin Fuentes, the piece takes aim at Republicans who have attempted to define the term “woman” and quotes a group of biologists who argue that strict binary categories of sex fail to capture the diverse and nuanced nature of sex.

The Controversy

While Fuentes’ perspective has been hotly disputed by other scientists, he maintains that efforts to represent human sex as binary are not about biology but are about trying to restrict who counts as a full human in society. University of Chicago biologist Dr. Jerry Coyne, on the other hand, accuses Scientific American of promoting an “authoritarian progressive leftist agenda” and argues that there are only two sexes, as defined by the type of gamete an organism produces.

Transgender Pregnancy

This debate is not new. In 2016, Scientific American published an article titled “How a Transgender Woman Could Get Pregnant,” which explored the possibility of transsexual male-turned-females becoming pregnant. The article cited the work of Swedish gynecologist Mats Brannstrom, who successfully implanted an artificial or human-extracted uterus into a womb for women who were missing a uterus. Scientific American extrapolated from this action that men who identified as women might be able to become pregnant someday.

The Bottom Line

While the debate rages on, it is clear that the issue of human sex is complex and multifaceted. As we continue to explore the nuances of this topic, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn. After all, only by understanding the full spectrum of human experience can we hope to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Key Takeaways:

• Scientific American published an opinion piece arguing that claiming sex is binary is “bad science.”
• The article has sparked a heated debate about the binary nature of human sex.
• While some scientists argue that there are only two sexes, others maintain that sex is more complex and nuanced than that.
• Scientific American has explored the possibility of transgender pregnancy, citing the work of Swedish gynecologist Mats Brannstrom.
• As we continue to explore the nuances of this topic, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

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