Abstract
BackgroundBecause of its ethical and social implications, preimplantation sex selection is frequently the subject of debates.MethodsIn 2006, we surveyed specialists in reproductive medicine in Germany using an anonymous questionnaire, including sociodemographic data and questions regarding ethical problems occurring in the practice of reproductive medicine. Most questions focused on preimplantation sex selection, including 10 case vignettes, since these enabled us to describe the most difficult and ethically controversial situations. This is the first survey among specialists in reproductive medicine regarding this topic in Germany.Results114 specialists in reproductive medicine participated, 72 males (63%) and 42 females (37%), average age was 48 years (age range 29–67 years). The majority of respondents (79%) favoured a regulation that limits the use of preimplantation sex selection only for medical reasons, such as X-linked diseases (including 18%: summoning an ethics commission for every case). A minority of 18% approved of the use of sex selection for non-medical reasons (4% generally and further 14% for family balancing). 90% had received obvious requests from patients. The highest approval (46%) got the counselling guideline against a preimplantation sex selection and advising a normal pregnancy, if preimplantation sex selection would be allowed in Germany. The majority (67%) was opposed the personal use of preimplantation sex selection for non-medical reasons, but would think about it in medical cases. In opposite to woman, 14% of the men were in favour of personal use for non-medical reasons (p = 0,043). 25% of specialists in reproductive medicine feared that an allowance of preimplantation sex selection would cause a shift in the sex ratio.ConclusionsThe majority of German specialists in reproductive medicine opposes preimplantation sex selection for non-medical reasons while recommending preimplantation sex selection for medical reasons, e.g. X-linked diseases like haemophilia.
Highlights
Sex selection is a complex topic [1] with are a variety of social, economic, cultural and personal reasons for selecting sex of children [2]
MicroSort using Fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of specimens pre- and post sort show that the 50:50 X:Y ratio in unsorted spermatozoa can be shifted to 90% X or 75% Y after sorting [8]
MicroSort is less selective for children of the favoured sex than the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)
Summary
Sex selection is a complex topic [1] with are a variety of social, economic, cultural and personal reasons for selecting sex of children [2]. History teaches us that in large parts of the world pre-birth sex selection results in great discrimination against the birth of female offspring [4]. Sex can be selected via preconception and preimplantation sex selection, or by selective abortion [6]. Preconception sex selection offers the possibility of avoiding female infanticide [7]. MicroSort is less selective for children of the favoured sex than the preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Because of its ethical and social implications, preimplantation sex selection is frequently the subject of debates
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