The case of Bruce Reimer, a Canadian boy raised as a girl after a circumcision accident, raises important reflections on the complexity of gender identity and ethics in scientific research. At 8 months old, Bruce underwent sexual reassignment surgery, becoming Brenda, and accompanied by psychologist John Money, who defended the theory of gender plasticity in children. However, the experience resulted in psychological suffering for Bruce, who identified as a man and, after discovering the truth, underwent several genital reconstruction surgeries and adopted the name David.
The case of Bruce Reimer highlights the importance of considering both biological and psychological factors when defining gender identity. Neuroscience points to the existence of physical and psychological determinants of sexual identity, which cannot be ignored or manipulated (Rodrigues, 2021). Furthermore, the case raises ethical questions about the conduct of psychologist John Money, who used Bruce as a guinea pig to prove his theory, disregarding the patient’s well-being and hiding crucial information about the experiment.
Bruce Reimer’s story is a warning to the scientific community about the importance of conducting research in an ethical and responsible manner, respecting the autonomy and well-being of participants. It is essential that healthcare professionals are aware of the complexity of gender identity and offer adequate support to patients and their families, considering their individualities and specific needs. (Rodrigues, 2021).
Reference :
RODRIGUES, Fabiano de Abreu. How does neuroscience explain the Bruce Reimer case?. Archives of Health, Curitiba, v. 2, no. 1, p. 27-31, Jan./Feb. 2021. ISSN 2675-4711.
(Photo: BBC Horizon Reproduction)
