Where Can I Select the Sex of My Baby?
Sex selection is an issue that won’t go away. It is currently not legal to choose the gender of an IVF baby in Australia but it is allowed elsewhere, for example, Italy, USA, Mexico and many Asian countries.
Why is Sex Selection Important for Some?
There are a number of reasons people want to choose the gender of their babies, some of which may be deemed more justifiable than others. These reasons can fall into two categories:
Medical based to avoid genetic illnesses associated with a particular gender, and
Non-medical based choosing gender as a personal preference or to balance the family, for example, desiring a daughter after having two sons.
The United Nations and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have stated an opposition to sex selection for non-medical reasons, due to the serious moral, legal and social issues it raises.
These reasons include the possibility to distort the natural sex ratio, leading to gender imbalance and reinforcing discriminatory and sexist stereotypes by devaluing females.
Sex Selection Regulations in Australia
Scientifically administered sex selection techniques were permitted in NSW from 1999 to 2004 until the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (NHMRC) strongly advised against it on ethical grounds.
But the NHMRC guidelines do permit the process of sex selection using PGS/PGD (pre-implantation genetic screening/diagnosis) to avoid the risk of transmitting a serious genetic condition.
The position in Australia is that sex selection is justified in cases where it is in the child’s best interests to be born a specific sex.
For example, couples may carry genes for muscular dystrophy and haemophilia, health conditions that only affect males. In such a situation, they may legally investigate the possibility of producing a female through IVF.
Countries Where Sex Selection is Legal
The ban on non-medical sex selection in Australia has resulted in a significant rise in the number of couples seeking sex selection services overseas. This phenomenon has been labelled reproductive tourism, where people are travelling to locations where gender selection, egg donations and general infertility treatments are governed by less strict regulations
Results of Sex Selection Prohibition
Since the guidelines from NHMRC came into effect, it is estimated over 200 Australians have travelled overseas for non-medical sex selection every year.
Like all medical tourism, it comes with various risks and complications. Those seeking out this service overseas need to do their research.
To be certain the overseas clinic has a good success rate, consult your local fertility specialist for advice about trusted clinics. Generally speaking, American clinics are safer options but can be significantly more expensive than clinics in Asia or the Middle East.
How Sex Selection Works
Sex selection is only possible when you have embryos through an IVF procedure, as you cant definitively test the gender of an egg or sperm.
PGS/PGD is then used to determine the gender and assess whether there is evidence of a risk associated with a genetic disease. Unwanted or at-risk embryos may be discarded.
If you’re thinking about going overseas for sex selection or any other IVF procedures, seek advice from your specialist.
Your Next Step
Dr Alexander can talk to you in detail about the process and legality for treatments such as sex selection and surrogacy.
Dr Alexander can offer advice on a possible diagnosis, further investigations and suitable treatment. Arrange an appointment now for peace of mind and body.
For patients suffering from painful periods, we would advise that you see your general practitioner and possibly obtain a referral to see Dr Alexander at www.alexalexander.com.au
Source: http://www.alexalexander.com.au