Sex selection

From BioPolicyWiki

Sex selection means choosing the sex of a future child, either before or after conception. In many countries it is used to promote the birth of boys. Sex selection is most commonly attempted through pre-natal testing and abortion. In recent years new technologies such preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and sperm-sorting have been developed and promoted. Sex selection raises concerns about exacerbating sex discrimination against women, and about normalizing the "selection" and "design" of children.

Some countries prohibit all sex selection. Others allow it when there is a risk that a fetus might have a serious sex-linked disease, but prohibit it for non-medical or “social” reasons. Still others have no official policies addressing sex selection.

Table: National policies

The Table shows policies currently in effect regarding sex selection.

Key

• PROHIBITED: This practice is prohibited by national law or policies having the force of law.
• allowed: This practice is allowed by national law or policies having the force of law, but social uses are not prohibited.
• social uses prohibited: Social (or nonmedical) use of this practice is prohibited by national law or policies having the force of law.
• no policy: This practice is not addressed by national law or policies having the force of law.
• ?: It is unknown whether this practice is addressed by national law or policies having the force of law.

Note: The categories defined in the key and used in the table characterize the polices in any given country in a broad manner. Consult the page for each country for more detailed accounts of current policies.
 

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