Progress and Status of Sex Selection Technology for the First Generation IVF
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a kind of assisted reproductive technology, which enables couples who cannot conceive naturally to realize their dreams of fertility through IVF. In the development of IVF technology, gender selection has become a controversial technology. This article will elaborate on the first generation of IVF sex selection technology from four aspects: technological progress, scope of application, ethics and practical difficulties.
technical progress
The first generation of IVF sex selection technology refers to the method of selecting male or female infants by separating and screening sex chromosomes. The early technical methods include centrifugation and chromosome sorting. However, these methods are limited by the technical complexity and low success rate, and have been rarely used at present. With the development of science and technology, the second generation of IVF sex selection technology, such as gene diagnosis technology, has gradually replaced the first generation of technology.
At present, gene diagnosis technology has further improved the accuracy and success rate of gender selection. The sex gene in the fertilized egg can be accurately judged by gene detection of the fertilized egg, and the fertilized egg can be implanted into the mother according to the selected sex. With the continuous development and popularization of gene sequencing technology, the accuracy of sex selection technology will be further improved.
Scope of application
The first generation of IVF sex selection technology is mainly applied to couples with genetic diseases. Some genetic diseases, such as hemophilia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, can only occur in the next generation of men. These genetic diseases can be avoided from being passed on to the next generation through sex selection technology.
In addition, some couples also hope to achieve family balance or personal preference through gender selection technology. For example, some families may already have one or more boys and want a girl to balance the family structure. These personal preferences give the first generation of gender selection technology a wide application space.
Ethics
Although the first generation of IVF sex selection technology has met the needs of some people to some extent, the ethical and moral problems caused by it cannot be ignored. First of all, gender selection technology will cause gender inequality and aggravate the imbalance between men and women. Secondly, we need to consider the balance between people's acceptance of ethical restrictions and individual autonomy. Moreover, ethical and moral issues are inseparable from the conflict of social values. Therefore, scientists, doctors and all sectors of society should jointly think and explore how to find a balance between technological development and ethics.
Realistic dilemma
The practical dilemma of the first generation IVF sex selection technology is mainly reflected in the immaturity of the technology and the limitation of its application. This technology is not only technically complex, but also has a low success rate, which leads to many infertile couples unable to realize their desire for gender selection. In addition, there are legal restrictions and restrictions on the technology in some countries and regions, further limiting its application in society.
In general, the first generation of IVF sex selection technology achieved a certain degree of sex selection by separating and screening sex chromosomes. The progress and application range of technology provide hope for some couples with special needs. However, ethical problems and practical difficulties also need us to face and solve together. In the future, with the continuous progress of science and technology and the improvement of laws and regulations, IVF sex selection technology will gradually be expected to become a more safe and effective means of assisted reproduction.
