Ethical Issues Of Gender Selection The idea and practice of gender selection has become increasingly popular in recent years and with recent advances in technology. Currently three methods of gender selection are available, each one varies in degree of technology, precision, and of course cost. Staining technology and sperm sorting are the first two options. PGD, being the most costly, is also the most debatable of the three techniques.

PGD was not originally performed for gender selection, but instead as a way to identify embryos that show signs of genetic disorder. The aim was to minimize the risk that couples with a history of genetic disorder would have a child with genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. While PGD is commonly used for the purpose of reducing the risk of genetic abnormalities, the real is issue is when it is used purely for the purpose of gender selection.

The cause of concern is the problems that occur resulting from discriminating against one gender over another. The problem is that that most couples seek this procedure to have boys. Unnecessary gender selection raises concerns of creating and sustaining a gender discriminatory society. Supporters argue that it would only increase the value of women due to more competition among men. Those who oppose the idea do so on the basis that it would not create value for women but the exact opposite. This type of free-will creates an artificial imbalance and is a breeding ground for larger issues.

Religious and ethical views frown on individuals trying to play God and the issue that children are now becoming marketable commodities. After choosing the gender, you don't have to stop there, you can choose eye and hair color also, in essence you can design your own baby. Another ethical issue with PGD is what to do with the remaining embryos that do not fit the desired criteria. For those who believe that life has actually started at this stage, it becomes an issue of throwing away or aborting a life.

To avoid falling into the ethical trap, many clinics only perform PGD for health precautions, which includes gender selection for the purpose of avoiding sex-related diorders. However, with increasing demand, more and more facilities are offering gender selection regardless of reason. Couples who have chosen gender selection should not be singled out as being unethical because often times the decision is simply based on personal preference or societal factors without considering the ethical issues involved. For those suffering from infertility, the issue is less likely to arise, as value is placed on being able to conceive a child whether male or female.