Given the variety of reproductive technologies available, and based upon the cor

Question

Given the variety of reproductive technologies available, and based upon the core American values such as privacy, technological advancement, and individuality, should individuals be permitted to use science to create the type of family they desire? For example, consider a couple that uses in vitro fertilization to create several embryos. Genetic testing allows them to determine which are male and which are female. The couple prefers a male or female child and requests that the less desirable embryo be destroyed, and, that the preferred embryo be implanted when they decide that the time is right.

What are two possible social problems that could occur in a society where parents choose the sex and birth dates of their children?

What are two possible benefits for society where parents choose the sex and birth dates of their children?

If parents did have the right to make such selections as to the sex of their children, does the state have a legitimate interest in regulating the ratios of male to female children in order to maintain sustainable birth rates and social stability?

Explanation / Answer

Sex selection refers to the practice of using medical techniques to choose the sex of offspring. The term “sex selection” encompasses a number of practices including selecting embryos for transfer and implantation following IVF, separating sperm, and selectively terminating a pregnancy. The topic of sex selection is particularly relevant to a discussion on gender and genetics because genetic technologies and services may be used to preferentially choose one sex over the other. Sex selection has a wide range of ethical, legal and social implications. A significant ethical concern is that sex selection for non-medical reasons will reinforce discrimination, particularly against women.

The are three core motivations for engaging in sex determination and sex selection:

Ethical Issues Raised by Sex Selection

Sex selection for non-medical reasons raises serious moral, legal, and social issues. The principal concerns are that the practice of sex selection will

Benefits of society where parents choose sex

Some cultures place great importance on having at least one child of a particular gender. We can help realise this aim. We can prevent the trauma and stress of not having a child of a particular gender, which can have negative cultural connotations. If a state's population became seriously imbalanced, one might have to rethink: but given that most countries, including all in the West, have balanced populations, and given that many families in most countries will choose to have roughly as many of the other sex, this should not stop this proposal being put into effect in many countries. Even in China, the problem is largely due to the "one-child" policy which has been relaxed in many areas since the mid-1990s. Over time, a scarcity of one gender will in any case produce new pressures to rebalance the population, for example the paying of dowries may change, and women will achieve higher status.

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