How to choose the sex of test tube baby?
IVF means that sperm and eggs are fertilized and cultured in vitro through artificial assisted reproduction technology to produce embryos, and then the embryos are transferred back to the mother, ultimately achieving the purpose of pregnancy and delivery. In the process of IVF, some couples hope to be able to choose the gender of the baby to meet their personal needs. The following will elaborate on the methods and possible impacts of IVF baby sex selection from four aspects.
1. Gender selection in reproductive technology
In IVF technology, there are two main methods of gender selection: gender screening and gender preselection. In gender screening, the fertilized eggs are analyzed for genes, and male or female embryos are selected for transplantation by detecting sex related chromosomes. Sex preselection is to select and separate sperm of a specific sex for the cultivation of fertilized eggs before in vitro fertilization. Both of these methods realized the choice of baby's gender to some extent.
However, it should be noted that these techniques are not 100% accurate. At present, the most commonly used sex selection method is through gene detection, which has a high accuracy, but there is still a certain failure rate. It should be understood that gender selection is not the core goal of IVF technology, but an additional option.
2. Legal and ethical considerations
Many countries and regions have restrictions and regulations on the sex selection of IVF. For example, UK law stipulates that gender selection can only be carried out when there are specific clinical needs. In contrast, the United States and some other countries are more open to infant gender selection.
In addition, because infant sex selection involves the issue of human reproductive ethics, it is necessary to consider personal moral views and the possible impact of gender selection on social and family relations when making infant sex selection. This requires careful discussion and decision-making between husband and wife and doctors.
3. Psychological and social impact
The sex selection of IVF infants has an important psychological and social impact on individuals and families. Some couples want to be able to choose the baby's gender to meet their personal preferences, family plans or special needs. However, for other couples, infant gender selection may increase their psychological pressure and anxiety, and even lead to conflicts and disputes.
In addition, gender selection may also lead to distortion of social balance. In some cultures, boys are seen as an important factor in inheriting the family blood and assuming important responsibilities. Therefore, if infant sex selection becomes a common phenomenon, it may lead to an excessive proportion of male population, which will lead to a series of social problems.
4. Participation of professional institutions and hospitals
Professional hospitals and institutions need to participate in the sex selection of IVF infants. These institutions should have rich experience and scientific technology to ensure the accuracy and safety of gender selection.
For example, some IVF centers in the United States, such as California IVF Fertility Center and Chicago IVF, provide sex selection services for infants. These institutions provide couples with infant sex selection programs through strict compliance with ethics and regulations, and ensure the reliability and safety of the procedures.
Summary
With the help of science and technology, the sex selection of IVF infants has become a feasible choice. The methods of gender selection in reproductive technology, legal and moral considerations, psychological and social influences, and the participation of professional institutions and hospitals are all important factors affecting the gender selection of infants. Couples need to think carefully and make wise decisions under the guidance of professional institutions and doctors.
