Experts estimate that approximately 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits.
Notes on verification
Widely cited by UN OHCHR, Amnesty International, and CAP, but the figure originates from Fausto-Sterling's broad definition and is contested by researchers like Leonard Sax who argue a much lower prevalence (~0.018%) using stricter clinical definitions. The claim as stated is accurately attributed to 'experts' but the underlying statistic is scientifically debated.
Sources
- HHS' New Sex-Based Definitions Ignore Science, Experts Say (healthline.com)
- https://www.ohchr.org/en/sexual-orientation-and-gender-identity/intersex-people (ohchr.org)
- https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2018/10/its-intersex-awareness-day-here-are-5-myths-we-need-to-shatter/ (amnesty.org)
- https://www.americanprogress.org/article/key-issues-facing-people-intersex-traits/ (americanprogress.org)