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Gender Selection Essay

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Gender Selection Essay
Gender selection of the embryo prior to conception is one of the controversial topics, which has been widely debated considering different aspects. (1,6) It is a dynamic topic to discuss, which raises arguments supporting and rejecting whether it is correct to perform the practice or not. (6)

Advanced medical technologies in reproductive medicine facilitate for the couples to choose the gender of their future child prior to pregnancy by using a method called “Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis” (PGD). (2,4,5) (PGD) is a technique used to detect genetic and or chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo following fertilization in vitro at the eight-cell cleavage stage where one or two cells are biopsied and sent for genetic analysis. (2) Additionally, (PGD) can be performed to detect the sex of the embryo in order to prevent the transmission of sex-linked genetic disorders. (2,4,9). Another suggested technique for sex selection is “Sperm Sorting” plus intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with or without intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Sperm sorting method of gender selection involves the detection of fluorescence emitted by fluorescently stained X and Y chromosome-bearing spermatozoa and choosing the sex chromosome bearing sperm according to the parent’s choice. (3,4,22) It has been suggested that (PGD) is almost completely accurate, effective and reliable compared to
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I will start with briefly mentioning the history and religious related thoughts of gender preference and discuss the etiologies of sex selection. I will then discuss the controversies around sex selection including both arguments accepting and rejecting it. I shall then move to discuss the ethical considerations and the current laws and policies in some countries. Finally, I will draw a discussion and a conclusion pointing out my personal opinion regarding sex

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