Sex selection in the IVF case
Test tube baby (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology, which can help couples who cannot conceive naturally due to physiological reasons to achieve their reproductive aspirations. However, in some special cases, couples have the need to choose the sex of the embryo. This article will discuss whether the sex of embryos can be selected in IVF cases from the ethical, medical, legal and social perspectives.
Ethical perspective
Choosing the sex of an embryo involves ethical issues, because it involves the selection and control of life. Some people believe that choosing the sex of embryos is equal to choosing sexism, which turns life into a commodity. They firmly believe that everyone should have the right to have a boy and a girl, rather than a choice of gender. However, some people also choose the sex of the embryo for special reasons. For example, some genetic diseases are inherited by sex chromosomes, so selecting the sex of the embryo can avoid passing the disease on to the next generation.
In addition, some people worry that the choice of embryo sex will lead to gender imbalance and social problems. For example, the imbalance in the proportion of men and women may lead to the surplus of men in the future, which will lead to social instability. Therefore, ethical factors need to be paid due attention to the selection of embryo sex.
Medical perspective
From the medical point of view, the technology of embryo sex selection has been widely used. At present, many IVF clinics provide sex selection services for embryos. The technology can select the sex by detecting the sex chromosome of the embryo. However, selecting the sex of embryos is not the only purpose. IVF technology is mainly used to solve the problem of infertility, and selecting the sex of embryos is only an option in this technology.
In addition, selecting the sex of the embryo can help some couples with sex chromosome genetic diseases avoid passing on the disease to the next generation. For example, Hemophilia is a sex linked recessive genetic disease that only men can get sick. By selecting female embryos, couples can avoid passing on disease to the next generation.
In conclusion, from the medical point of view, sex selection of embryos is an application of IVF technology, but it is not the main purpose. It can help solve problems in some special situations.
Legal perspective
The legal provisions on selecting the sex of embryos are different in different countries and regions. Some countries explicitly prohibit sex selection of embryos, such as Germany and Canada. Some countries allow the selection of embryo sex, but there are certain restrictions, such as Britain and Australia.
In China, it is currently stipulated in the Measures for the Administration of Human Assisted Reproduction Technology that it is prohibited to select the sex of an embryo unless it is necessary for genetic diseases. This means that it is not allowed to choose the sex of an embryo just to have a boy or girl.
The formulation and regulation of laws can clarify the problem of selecting the sex of embryos, and regulate and protect the application of IVF technology to a certain extent.
Social perspective
There are different attitudes and views on the choice of embryo sex in society. On the one hand, some people believe that the choice of embryo sex is a manifestation of respect for individual choice, and couples should have the right to choose within a certain range. On the other hand, some people worry that sex selection of embryos may aggravate the problem of gender discrimination, so they hold an opposing view.
Whether supporting or opposing the choice of embryo sex, social discussions and debates have provided a variety of views and thoughts on this issue. Public opinion has important reference significance for formulating appropriate norms and restrictions.
To sum up, the choice of embryo sex is a complex issue in the IVF case, with different considerations in ethics, medicine, law and society. The IVF technology itself is intended to help couples solve the problem of infertility, and the choice of embryo sex is one of the possible options, but ethical and legal factors should be carefully considered to avoid possible problems.
