Pros And Cons Of Sex Selection

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In modern reproductive medicine, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) used for sex selection is the centre of significant ethical debates. In conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF), it is used to increase the potential of a successful pregnancy and delivery of a child. In particular, it is a hereditary test performed on embryonic cells in order to select the best embryo of desired sex for pregnancy. Sex selection via PGD is commonly carried out for medical and non-medical reasons. In particular, medically, it is carried out in order to prevent the transmission of serious genetic diseases. However, for non-medical reasons, it is employed to satisfy parental reproductive desires. Subject to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 and the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s 8th Code of Practice, PGD for the use of sex selection can only be carried out for a genetic illness under certain conditions in the United Kingdom. As with many medical practices that are associated with human reproduction, PGD used for sex selection for medical and non-medical reasons raises many ethical arguments. This essay will focus on the …show more content…
The intention is to ensure that the child does not have future health complications in regards to genetic disorders. Human reproduction cannot be classified as belittled when attempting to prevent the transmission of genetic diseases in offspring. Furthermore, when used for good reason, this procreative technology clearly has a claim over scarce medical resources as it is to provide future offspring with the capacity to live without the possibility of attaining genetic diseases. Thus, the use of PGD for sex selection to prevent the transmission of serious genetic diseases is ethically acceptable based on the idea that it improves the quality of life of the surviving