With the advancement of technology, it is now possible to choose the gender of a child before conception or during pregnancy.

While this may seem like a convenience for some parents, the question of whether or not it is ethical to do so has become a topic of debate. In this article, we will explore the different perspectives on gender selection and the ethical implications that come with it.

Medical Procedures for Gender Selection

There are two main methods of gender selection, namely Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and sperm sorting.

PGD involves testing embryos for gender before they are implanted in the womb, while sperm sorting separates X and Y chromosomes to help the couple conceive a child with a desired gender.

Arguments for Gender Selection

One of the main arguments for gender selection is that it can prevent certain genetic disorders that affect one particular gender.

For example, some genetic disorders such as haemophilia and muscular dystrophy are more common in males, so selecting a female embryo can eliminate the risk of the disorder being passed on. Gender selection can also be a way for couples to balance their families and have a child of the gender they do not already have.

Arguments against Gender Selection

Those who are against gender selection argue that it reinforces sexism and gender stereotypes. Selecting a gender for a child before they are even born can limit their potential and perpetuate the idea that one gender is superior to the other.

The process of gender selection can also lead to the destruction of embryos that do not meet the desired gender, raising ethical concerns about the value of human life.

Religious and Cultural Perspectives

Religious and cultural beliefs play a significant role in the debate on gender selection. In some cultures, having a male child is considered to be of greater importance than having a female child, and gender selection can perpetuate this preference.

In Islam, gender selection is generally considered to be forbidden except in cases where there is a medical reason. Similarly, the Catholic Church has condemned gender selection as it is viewed as an interference with the natural order.

Legal Considerations

Gender selection is illegal in many countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. In the United States, there are no federal laws on gender selection, and the legality of the process varies from state to state.

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has deemed gender selection to be ethical if it is used for medical reasons, but not for personal or social reasons.

Conclusion

Whether gender selection is ethical or not ultimately comes down to individual beliefs and values. While it may seem like a harmless choice for some parents, it has the potential to perpetuate gender stereotypes and discrimination.

The legality of gender selection varies greatly between countries, and the debate is far from over.