Abstract :
The current case study aims to explore the phenomenon of maternal loss in relation to the separation of intersex children due to the forced separation in Pakistan. Set against the backdrop of the socio-cultural context marked by stigma, strict gender roles, and patriarchal families, the current study seeks to analyze the impact of these elements on maternal grieving and women’s agency. The qualitative case study design was used, and data were gathered via one-to-one semi-structured interviews conducted with only one participant. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data. Five themes were identified from the analysis: lost joy at birth, forced separation, silent and ongoing grief, loss of maternal identity, and marital loss and abandonment. The findings revealed that decision-making in the process of separation was under the control of family members, leading to the forced separation and psychological suffering of the participant. Her grief went unnoticed and unsaid, which can be characterized as disenfranchised grief. This research identifies the necessity of increased recognition of maternal experiences within the context of intersex issues, stressing the significance of culturally sensitive support systems. This is an important contribution to the existing literature on maternal losses and intersex experiences in Pakistan.