Chapter 6 - Sex Selection, Gender Selection, and Sexism

Abstract

Traditional expressions about reproduction have included a combination of numerous views from everyday experiences. They are generally mixed with feelings of joy, fear, and expectations, mainly due to the uncertainties associated with the act of reproduction. In the last few decades the rapid growth of genetic knowledge, combined with modern developments in assisted reproductive technologies, have provided future prospective parents new options, including the possibility of controlling various characteristics of their offspring, such as the gender. These new roles in specific cases, however, did not include a critical reflection on new forms and dimensions of medical responsibility, especially in relation to society-based questions and dilemmas that surface, such as sex ratio at birth and gender balance. This is mainly due to the fact that once parents have an option to select the sex of their child, many may choose a certain gender. Countries such as China and India, currently wrestle with the phenomenon of millions of missing girls. What is the background of this phenomenon? What does it mean today in a globalized world? Are we capable of making any predictions? These are just some of the questions that we address and analyze in this chapter.