Sex selection: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 02:59, 11 December 2024

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]

Preconception Methods[edit]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-= Sex Selection =
+{{Short description|The practice of attempting to control the sex of offspring to achieve a desired sex.}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
+[[File:2012 Birth Sex Ratio World Map.jpg|thumb|Global birth sex ratio map, 2012]]
-== Introduction ==
+'''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]].
-Sex selection is the practice of influencing the sex of an offspring to achieve a desired outcome. It can be performed through various methods at different stages, from pre-implantation to post-birth, and is often associated with the concept of 'family balancing.' This practice raises significant ethical, cultural, and social concerns, particularly in relation to gender imbalances.
-== Methods of Sex Selection ==
+==Methods of Sex Selection==
-=== Pre-Implantation ===
-* '''In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)''': Embryos are tested for their sex before implantation.
-* '''Sperm Sorting''': Separating X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm to favor a particular sex.
-=== Post-Implantation ===
+===Preconception Methods===
-* '''Prenatal Testing and Selective Abortion''': Determining the sex of the fetus and opting for abortion based on the outcome.
+* '''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.
-=== At Childbirth ===
+===Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)===
-* Traditional practices in some cultures favoring one sex over another.
+* 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.
-[[File:In_vitro_fertilization.jpg|thumb|In Vitro Fertilization, a method used in sex selection.]]
+===Prenatal Methods===
+* '''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]].
-== Reasons Behind Sex Selection ==
+==Ethical and Social Implications==
-According to the United Nations Population Fund, the motivations for sex selection are multifaceted and contribute to sex ratio imbalances. These include:
+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 [[File:2012 Birth Sex Ratio World Map.jpg|thumb|Global birth sex ratio map, 2012]].
-* '''Cultural and Social Factors''': Preference for sons in certain societies due to economic, social, or religious reasons.
-* '''Economic Factors''': Sons often perceived as financial supporters for aging parents.
-* '''Family Balancing''': Desire for a balanced representation of both sexes in a family.
-== Ethical and Social Implications ==
+===Cultural Preferences===
-Sex selection poses significant ethical dilemmas and societal impacts, including:
+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]].
-* Reinforcement of gender stereotypes and biases.
-* Potential for increased gender imbalances.
-* Social and psychological effects on individuals born as a result of sex selection.
-== Legal and Regulatory Perspectives ==
+===Legal and Policy Responses===
-The legality of sex selection varies globally, with some countries banning non-medical sex selection while others regulate or permit it under certain conditions.
+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]].
-== Impact on Sex Ratios and Future Trends ==
+==Technological Advances==
-Skewed sex ratios due to sex selection practices can lead to long-term demographic challenges, including marriage squeezes and societal instability.
+Advancements in reproductive technologies have made sex selection more accessible. However, these technologies also raise questions about [[designer babies]] and the potential for [[eugenics]].
-== External Links ==
+==Also see==
-* [Link to United Nations Population Fund report on sex selection]
+* [[Gender imbalance]]
-* [Link to an ethical analysis of sex selection practices]
+* [[Prenatal sex discernment]]
+* [[Reproductive rights]]
+* [[Bioethics]]
-== References ==
+==References==
-<references/>
+{{Reflist}}
+==External links==
+* [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sex-selection World Health Organization: Sex Selection]
+* [https://www.unfpa.org/gender-biased-sex-selection UNFPA: Gender-biased Sex Selection]
+[[File:Danshan Nongguang Village Bulletin board.jpg|thumb|A bulletin board in China promoting the value of daughters]]
+[[File:Embryo, 8 cells.jpg|thumb|An 8-cell embryo, which can be tested for sex through PGD]]
+{{Reproductive health}}
+{{Bioethics}}
 [[Category:Reproductive technology]]
-[[Category:Ethics]]
+[[Category:Bioethics]]
 [[Category:Gender]]
-{{stub}}