Sex selection
The practice of attempting to control the sex of offspring to achieve a desired sex.
Sex selection refers to the practice of attempting to control the sex of the offspring to achieve a desired sex. This can occur before conception by means of sperm sorting or preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or after conception through prenatal sex discernment followed by sex-selective abortion.
Methods of Sex Selection[edit | edit source]
Preconception Methods[edit | edit source]
- Sperm Sorting: This technique involves separating sperm cells based on the sex chromosome they carry. The most common method is flow cytometry, which can sort sperm into X-bearing (female) and Y-bearing (male) populations.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)[edit | edit source]
- PGD is used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to select embryos of a desired sex before implantation. This involves genetic testing of embryos to determine their sex.
Prenatal Methods[edit | edit source]
- Ultrasound and Amniocentesis: These are used to determine the sex of a fetus during pregnancy. In some regions, this information is used to make decisions about sex-selective abortion.
Ethical and Social Implications[edit | edit source]
Sex selection raises significant ethical concerns, particularly when it leads to gender imbalance in populations. In some countries, a cultural preference for male children has resulted in skewed sex ratios, as depicted in the
.
Cultural Preferences[edit | edit source]
In certain cultures, male children are preferred due to economic, social, and cultural reasons. This preference can lead to practices such as female infanticide and sex-selective abortion.
Legal and Policy Responses[edit | edit source]
Many countries have implemented laws to prevent sex-selective practices. For example, India has banned prenatal sex determination through the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act.
Technological Advances[edit | edit source]
Advancements in reproductive technologies have made sex selection more accessible. However, these technologies also raise questions about designer babies and the potential for eugenics.
Also see[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
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