Where it used to be no more than science fiction, modern technology has now provided a way to determine the sex of a child before it is born. Not only can couples now choose the sex of their child, but it is also possible to determine if a child will have a genetic disease. In light of these procedures’ growing popularity, they have received criticisms on their ethical values. At the same time, they are also drawing praise and support from those who see the technology as quite literally a lifesaver.
Gender selection is performed most accurately by using Preimplantation Genetic Diagnoses (PGD), which is only done through In Vitro Fertilization. PGD allows specialists to examine the embryo and determine whether it has an X or Y chromosome. The embryo carrying the chromosome that the couple desires can at that point be utilized in the In Vitro Fertilization process. This practice is common among couples that have had several children of one sex and wish to have a child of the other.
Supporters of this process argue that distinction of the X or Y chromosomes allows couples to avoid genetic diseases associated with sex. If one parent is a carrier of a genetic disorder associated with a particular sex chromosome, the disorder will show up in an embryo with its presence.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnoses does not only detect sex-related genetic disorders, but a variety of other genetic disorders and general chromosome abnormalities as well. Families with a history of single gene disorders like Sickle Cell Anemia and Alzheimer’s Disease have found great success in including PGD in their In Vitro Fertilization.
Patients have the option of choosing the healthiest embryos to implant. PGD tests for Aneuploidy, or an abnormal number of chromosomes in the embryo. Aneuploidy is one of the main sources for syndromes found in human beings. Preimplantation Genetic Diagnoses also tests for chromosome translocations. Chromosome translocations are often an indication of stillbirth, miscarriage, and birth defects.
Interlaced between each of the cries of poor ethics associated with PGD are several legitimate arguments in favor of it. Gender selection has different values in every part of the world. These values may be interpreted and respected differently by different cultures, but it bears a significance enough for it to be practiced in many parts of the world. Furthermore, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnoses has, in partnership with In Vitro Fertilization, spared hundreds of couples the heartbreak of miscarriages, stillbirths, and devastating genetic diseases.
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