Bioethical Considerations of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for Sex Selection

Authors

M. Shelby Deeney, Washington University School of LawFollow

Publication Title

Washington University Jurisprudence Review

Abstract

Since ancient times, people have tried to control the sex of their offspring. Today, technology allows individuals to choose the sex of a child with near-perfect accuracy. The combined technologies of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation embryo genetic testing enable prospective parents to choose the sex of the embryos that will be implanted for gestation and develop into children. Currently, no United States law governs the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for the use of sex selection. This Note explores the consequences of this unregulated technology and why natural law calls for regulation of PGD for sex selection.

This Note considers the ethical and moral considerations of this practice and whether natural law would require legislation regulating or limiting the use of PGD for sex selection. This Note examines not only the technology involved but also the ethical considerations of this practice.

Recommended Citation

M. Shelby Deeney, Bioethical Considerations of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for Sex Selection, 5 Wash. U. Jur. Rev. 333 (2013).
Available at: https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/law_jurisprudence/vol5/iss2/5