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| − | [[Human]] '''sex selection''' or '''gender selection''' can be accomplished several ways, both pre- and post-implantation of an [[embryo]], as well as at [[childbirth|birth]]. |
+ | [[Human]] '''sex selection''' or '''gender selection''' can be accomplished several ways, both pre- and post-implantation of an [[embryo]], as well as at [[childbirth|birth]]. It has been marketed under the title '''family balancing'''. |
==Scientific methods== |
==Scientific methods== |
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Two major types of pre-implantation methods can be used for sex selection. |
Two major types of pre-implantation methods can be used for sex selection. |
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| − | [[Sperm sorting]] - The separation of X [[Chromosome]] sperm from Y Chromosome sperm. |
+ | [[Sperm sorting]] - The separation of X [[Chromosome]] [http://ivfinisrael.info/ sperm ] from Y Chromosome sperm. The resulting sorted sperm are used in either [[artificial insemination]] or [[in-vitro fertilization]] (IVF) procedures. |
| − | [[Preimplantation genetic diagnosis]] (PGD) - In sex selection cases, embryos resulting from IVF procedures are genetically tested for X or Y Chromosomes. |
+ | [[Preimplantation genetic diagnosis]] (PGD) - In sex selection cases, embryos resulting from IVF procedures are genetically tested for X or Y Chromosomes. The embryos of the desired sex are then implanted. |
===Post-implantation methods=== |
===Post-implantation methods=== |
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===Post-birth methods=== |
===Post-birth methods=== |
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| − | [[Infanticide]] - The killing, exposing or otherwise disposing of an offspring of the unwanted sex. |
+ | [[Infanticide]] - The killing, exposing or otherwise disposing of an offspring of the unwanted sex. It is noted that this is not legal in most parts of the world, but is still a common practice in many cultures. |
| − | [[Adoption]] - The voluntary surrender of offspring of the unwanted sex. |
+ | [[Adoption]] - The voluntary surrender of offspring of the unwanted sex. Less commonly viewed as a method of sex selection, adoption affords cultures that have a gender preference a legal means of choosing offspring of a particular sex. |
===Ethical concerns=== |
===Ethical concerns=== |
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| − | The application of these techniques to humans creates moral and ethical concerns. |
+ | The application of these techniques to humans creates moral and ethical concerns. Listed here are some of the more common of those concerns: |
| − | [[Sexual discrimination]] - The idea that if one sex is preferred over another, those individuals in the non-preferred sex would be at a disadvantage. |
+ | [[Sexual discrimination]] - The idea that if one sex is preferred over another, those individuals in the non-preferred sex would be at a disadvantage. Opponents of sex selection argue that the procedure would artificially unequalize the ratio of females to males, leading to discrimination, potential violence and abuse of the smaller group. |
Indeed, [[China]] has a significant gender imbalance due to the cultural preference of boys and the [[One Child Policy]]. There are already many millions more men than women and the problem is likely to get worse. Huge numbers of men with no chance to marry has severe negative social implications such as an increase in rape, prostitution, bride selling, and men being forced into abstinence. |
Indeed, [[China]] has a significant gender imbalance due to the cultural preference of boys and the [[One Child Policy]]. There are already many millions more men than women and the problem is likely to get worse. Huge numbers of men with no chance to marry has severe negative social implications such as an increase in rape, prostitution, bride selling, and men being forced into abstinence. |
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| − | [[Eugenics]] - Many fear that PGD, in general, is a 'slippery slope' leading to a society where 'non-selected' individuals would be discriminated against. |
+ | [[Eugenics]] - Many fear that PGD, in general, is a 'slippery slope' leading to a society where 'non-selected' individuals would be discriminated against. PGD is used primarily in the U.S. for the purpose of reducing [[congenital disorder|birth defects]] and abnormalities, but opponents fear that there is nothing stopping persons from using PGD for more eugenic-based purposes. |
==History and folk beliefs== |
==History and folk beliefs== |
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| − | There are a wide variety of sex selections methods which have not been demonstrated to be effective. |
+ | There are a wide variety of sex selections methods which have not been demonstrated to be effective. Because even implausible and ineffective methods have a "success" rate of 50%, many continued to be recommended by word of mouth. |
As early as [[330 BC]]., [[Aristotle]] prescribed the ligation (tying off) of the left [[testicle]] in men wishing to have boys.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} |
As early as [[330 BC]]., [[Aristotle]] prescribed the ligation (tying off) of the left [[testicle]] in men wishing to have boys.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} |
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* [http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9809/09/baby.sex.ethics/ Gender selection for babies poses ethical dilemmas] |
* [http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9809/09/baby.sex.ethics/ Gender selection for babies poses ethical dilemmas] |
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{{enW|Sex selection}} |
{{enW|Sex selection}} |
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Revision as of 13:38, 28 September 2011
Assessment |
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Social psychology: Altruism · Attribution · Attitudes · Conformity · Discrimination · Groups · Interpersonal relations · Obedience · Prejudice · Norms · Perception · Index · Outline
Human sex selection or gender selection can be accomplished several ways, both pre- and post-implantation of an embryo, as well as at birth. It has been marketed under the title family balancing.
Scientific methods
Pre-implantation methods
Two major types of pre-implantation methods can be used for sex selection.
Sperm sorting - The separation of X Chromosome sperm from Y Chromosome sperm. The resulting sorted sperm are used in either artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) - In sex selection cases, embryos resulting from IVF procedures are genetically tested for X or Y Chromosomes. The embryos of the desired sex are then implanted.
Post-implantation methods
Prenatal diagnosis - Amniocentesis and/or ultrasound is used to determine sex of an offspring, leading to subsequent abortion of any offspring of the unwanted sex.
Post-birth methods
Infanticide - The killing, exposing or otherwise disposing of an offspring of the unwanted sex. It is noted that this is not legal in most parts of the world, but is still a common practice in many cultures.
Adoption - The voluntary surrender of offspring of the unwanted sex. Less commonly viewed as a method of sex selection, adoption affords cultures that have a gender preference a legal means of choosing offspring of a particular sex.
Ethical concerns
The application of these techniques to humans creates moral and ethical concerns. Listed here are some of the more common of those concerns:
Sexual discrimination - The idea that if one sex is preferred over another, those individuals in the non-preferred sex would be at a disadvantage. Opponents of sex selection argue that the procedure would artificially unequalize the ratio of females to males, leading to discrimination, potential violence and abuse of the smaller group. Indeed, China has a significant gender imbalance due to the cultural preference of boys and the One Child Policy. There are already many millions more men than women and the problem is likely to get worse. Huge numbers of men with no chance to marry has severe negative social implications such as an increase in rape, prostitution, bride selling, and men being forced into abstinence.
Eugenics - Many fear that PGD, in general, is a 'slippery slope' leading to a society where 'non-selected' individuals would be discriminated against. PGD is used primarily in the U.S. for the purpose of reducing birth defects and abnormalities, but opponents fear that there is nothing stopping persons from using PGD for more eugenic-based purposes.
History and folk beliefs
There are a wide variety of sex selections methods which have not been demonstrated to be effective. Because even implausible and ineffective methods have a "success" rate of 50%, many continued to be recommended by word of mouth.
As early as 330 BC., Aristotle prescribed the ligation (tying off) of the left testicle in men wishing to have boys.[How to reference and link to summary or text]
Some people believe that timing conception according to astrological charts can influence a baby's sex [1], though there is no evidence to support this or any other timing method.
See also
- Sex-selective abortion and infanticide
- Gender imbalance
External links
- Women's Specialty Health Centers, P.C.
- Center for Genetics and Society
- Baby Gender Selection - The straight truth about methods for choosing the sex of your baby
- Malaysia:Law to ban designer babies
Ethical debates
Template:EnW