Abstract
In 2017, following an extensive review of its ethical guidelines on assisted reproductive technology (ART), the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) upheld its moratorium on non-medical sex selection (NMSS) pending further public debate. Interestingly, the public consultation conducted by the NHMRC revealed a majority of submissions supported a permissive approach to NMSS, suggesting a potential shift in attitudes about NMSS in Australia. Historically, public consultation on NMSS both internationally and in Australia has revealed general opposition to this practice. This has reinforced concerns raised against NMSS in bioethical debates and been reflected in a restrictive regulatory approach to NMSS in many countries. The NHMRC public consultation highlights a potential disconnect between the concerns raised about NMSS in scholarly literature and more liberal community views. This paper reviews the submissions made to the NHMRC on NMSS and argues that the current moratorium should be revisited with a view to exploring a more nuanced approach to regulating NMSS in the future.
Highlights
In 2017, following an extensive review of its ethical guidelines on assisted reproductive technology (‘ART’), the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (‘NHMRC’) upheld its moratorium on non-medical sex selection (‘NMSS’) pending further public debate.[1]
The NHMRC public consultation highlights a potential disconnect between the concerns raised about NMSS in scholarly literature and more liberal community views
The submissions analysed as part of our study demonstrate a permissive stance towards NMSS, running contrary to many of the views outlined in the scholarly literature, which generally adopt a restrictive approach
Summary
In 2017, following an extensive review of its ethical guidelines on assisted reproductive technology (‘ART’), the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (‘NHMRC’) upheld its moratorium on non-medical sex selection (‘NMSS’) pending further public debate.[1]. The public consultation by the NHMRC may not represent the overall views of the Australian public toward NMSS, it is the first time in Australia that a consulted majority has expressed support for NMSS. The NHMRC public consultation highlights a potential disconnect between the concerns raised about NMSS in scholarly literature (which supports a restrictive approach to regulation) and more liberal community views. Public opinion towards NMSS has had a significant influence on its regulation.[3] The potential shift in public attitudes toward NMSS revealed by the NHMRC public
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