Gender Selection and IVF

Gender selection before IVF, which involves influencing the gender of the child through available procedures or treatments, has been a controversial topic that draws ethical, moral and legal questions. Some may choose sex selection, which it is also called, to help avoid sex-linked illnesses or diseases such as hemophilia or Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, while others argue against using the procedure for family balancing purposes.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a procedure that is used to identify genetic defects in embryos that are created using in vitro fertilization (IVF). A single cell is removed from an eight-cell embryo and a microscope is used to conduct the procedure without damaging its ability to continue its normal development. Analyzation then takes place to determine if genetic disorders are present, while some couples may choose to use this method to select embryos with male or female DNA to produce a baby of the gender they desire. Another method involves the separation of the X and Y chromosomes from the sperm.

Once the embryos of the desired gender have been determined, they will be implanted into the mother's uterus using the in vitro fertilization process. This is a fertility procedure that has been used by many couples and individuals to assist in overcoming infertility to become pregnant. It is perhaps the most well-known of all fertility treatments and has made many couples around the world happy parents.

There is a risk of false positive or false negative with preimplantation genetic diagnosis, as many embryos may show chromosomal inconsistencies from one cell to the next. Inconclusive genetic test results may lead to inaccurate diagnosis. The results of this procedure may be confirmed through additional testing performed early in the pregnancy to identify certain problems.

The long-term impact of the technique on the fetus is not yet known, although there are no current reports that indicate increased abnormalities following this procedure. Reports show a 98% chance that the embryo implanted in the uterus will not carry a genetic abnormality. There is also a 99% chance that the couple will have a child of the gender they desire with this procedure.

This may be an expensive procedure and most insurance will not cover its cost. There may be an additional cost of about $3,550 on top of the cost of in vitro fertilization with the addition of this procedure, which may bring the total cost to around $15,000 or $20,000 depending on various factors.