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FACT BRIEF

Do experts agree on a simple definition of 'woman'?

Thursday, April 14, 2022
By Austin Tannenbaum
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NO

Experts in both biology and gender regard "woman" as too variable a marker to be encompassed by one simple definition.

A woman is colloquially understood as an adult human with female biology. However, some individuals have a genotype (internal biology) that conflicts with their phenotype (external physical characteristics). For example, 1 in 20,000 individuals have androgen insensitivity syndrome, possessing XY chromosomes and male internal reproductive organs (testes) while exhibiting a female phenotype (vagina, breasts). These individuals typically live as women despite their internal male biology. 

In addition to biological ambiguities, there is a medically recognized difference between biological sex and psychological gender. Some individuals report feeling like a woman and exhibit feminine traits despite being considered male at birth, and vice versa. Numerous studies have found that allowing transgender individuals to live as their desired gender lowers their risk of depression and suicide.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
The Lancet The misuses of 'biological sex'
National Library of Medicine Androgen insensitivity syndrome: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Yale School of Medicine What Do We Mean By Sex and Gender?
Columbia University Department of Psychiatry Gender-affirming Care Saves Lives
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Fact briefs are short, credibly sourced summaries that offer “yes/no” answers in response to claims found online. They rely on publicly available, often primary source data and documents. Fact briefs are created by contributors to Gigafact —a nonprofit project looking to expand participation in fact-checking and protect the democratic process. See all fact briefs here.