Moral Concerns of Gender Selection

Gender selection has become increasingly popular in the last few years with the help of recent advancements in technology. Currently three methods of gender selection are available, each varying in degree of technology, accuracy, and of course cost. Sperm sorting by way of centrifuge and staining technology are two options. PGD, being the most expensive, is also the most controversial of the three techniques.

PGD was originally used as a technique to identify embryos that showed signs of genetic disorder only, and not for gender selection. The intent was to reduce the risk that couples with a history of genetic disorder would have a child with genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. PGD is still used for this purpose with little debate, however the ethical debate occurs when the procedure is sought out only for the purpose of gender selection.

The reason for concern is the issues that occur resulting from choosing one gender over another. The problem is that that most couples seek this procedure to have boys. Unwarranted gender selection raises concerns of creating and perpetuating a gender discriminatory society. Those who are pro gender selection state that it would only increase the value of women due to more competition among men. Those who oppose the idea do so on the basis that it would not create value for women but the exact opposite. This type of “free-will” creates an unnatural imbalance and is a breeding ground for bigger issues.

Religious and ethical views disapprove of individuals trying to “play God” and the issue that children are now becoming marketable commodities. Gender is the main factor, but if you’re in the process why not choose physical features such as eye and hair color also? Another ethical issue with PGD is what to do with the remaining embryos that do not “make the cut.” For those who believe that life has actually started at this stage, it becomes an issue of throwing away or aborting a life.

Because of the ethical issues involved, many clinics will only perform PGD for health precautions, including gender selection for the purpose of avoiding sex-related disorders. However, with increasing demand, more and more facilities are offering gender selection regardless of their purpose. Couples who have chosen gender selection should not be singled out as being unethical because often times the decision is merely based on personal preference or societal factors without considering the ethical issues involved. For those suffering from infertility, the issue is less likely to appear, as value is placed on being able to conceive a child whether male or female.

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