In vitro fertilization (IVF) has advanced significantly since its inception, providing numerous couples with the opportunity to conceive. Among the various possibilities that IVF presents is the potential for sex selection of the baby. This process, which involves determining the sex of an embryo before implantation, raises a number of medical, ethical, and legal questions.

Methods of Sex Selection in IVF

1. Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) The most common method for sex selection in In vitro fertilization (IVF) is Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). During IVF, eggs are retrieved from the woman and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. Once the embryos reach a certain stage of development (usually the blastocyst stage), a few cells are biopsied from each embryo.
2. Sperm Sorting Another technique is sperm sorting, where sperm are separated based on whether they carry an X or Y chromosome before fertilization. Methods such as the Micro Sort technique can be used to increase the likelihood of selecting sperm that will produce the desired sex.

Reasons for Sex Selection

1. Medical Reasons One of the most widely accepted reasons for sex selection is to prevent sex-linked genetic disorders. Certain genetic conditions, such as hemophilia and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, are linked to the X chromosome and predominantly affect males. By selecting female embryos, couples can reduce the risk of these conditions.
2. Family Balancing Some couples opt for sex selection to achieve a balanced family, particularly if they already have one or more children of the same sex. This is often referred to as "family balancing" and is a common non-medical reason for sex selection.
3. Cultural and Personal Preferences In some cultures and families, there may be a strong preference for children of a particular sex. This can be due to social, economic, or cultural reasons. While this is a more controversial use of sex selection, it is a factor that drives some couples to seek this option.