IVF and Sex Selection

IVF treatments have revolutionalized family planning. In many ways, it has proven to be the solution needed by many individuals and couples to build their own families. From treating issues with infertility to enabling couples to select the sex of their unborn child before implantation, IVF has treated in places where other forms of medicine have not. 

While it may seem that sex selection should be left to nature, there are cases whereby from a medical perspective, sex selection will give a better chance for offspring survival and vitality. For those who have to make the decision for sex selection, the decision is not entered into lightly. As well, due to the nature of the treatment, there are legal considerations to keep in mind while making this crucial life decision. So let us get into what sex selection is all about.  

Sex vs. Gender

The world we live in is no longer strictly heteronormative. As a result, the terms ‘gender’ and ‘sex’ are no longer synonymous. Emerging studies have shown that sex and gender are different, and this then redefines how we address each other. The term ‘sex’ refers to the physiological characteristics a person possesses, specifically their reproductive organs, chromosomes and hormones. These contribute to a person’s physical appearance. The term ‘gender’ refers to a person’s experiences, their behavior, lifestyle and roles, which could span across a spectrum of identities.  

Sex Selection Legality

The legality of sex selection is controversial, not just in the United States, but world over. In the U.S. it is permitted, but concerns exists regarding how ethical the practice is. These concerns are held by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ARSM) urging medical practitioners to exercise caution in their treatments. This practice is illegal in India, China, most European countries, and Canada, particularly if one has no medical precedent.

Reasons for Choosing Sex

It is not a commonly known fact that there are some types of hereditary conditions that affect one sex disproportionately to the other. As such, selecting the other sex will give the child a chance at a higher quality of life. Think of it this way, a condition exists that is passed down through the X chromosome. Female chromosomes possess two X chromosomes meaning that one chromosome could potentially be left unharmed. This means that the female embryos could have a better chance at life than the male counterparts that only have one X chromosome. 

Now, let us talk briefly about why this practice is controversial. The first reason is that there are families who choose this option in order to have an equal number of children of each sex. The second reason is that there are families who only want to have one child. Their presence for a child of a particular sex has to do with the family structure they desire their family to take on. These non-medical related reasons are a matter of preference, and they are the reason that parts of the world have outlawed the practice, preferring nature to make the selections.

How Sex Selection Works

Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is the medical term for sex selection. It is carried out between two main stages of IVF treatments; after fertilization, and before implantation. After fertilization, the embryo is usually left to develop independently in a controlled lab setting for a few days. In the fifth day, a biopsy of the embryo is taken for testing. Let us look at the types PGT protocols next.

Preimplantation Testing for a Monogenic Disorder

This is also referred to as the PGT-M or PGD test. It is a test that identifies single-gene disorders. It also identifies  hereditary conditions like sickle cell anaemia, polycystic fibrosis and Tay-Sachs disease. Another crucial diagnosis that can be made with this test is DNA anomalies, which have been discovered to be the leading cause of early miscarriage. 

Preimplantation Testing for Aneuploidy

This protocol is called a PGT-A test. It is able to diagnose certain disorders like Down Syndrome. As well, it can be used to identify DNA anomalies against early miscarriage. The main difference between the PGT-A and PGT-M test is that PGT-M can identify a broader range of disorders. 

The Cost of PGT

PGT testing usually costs between $1,000 and $4,000. Different health insurance plans may or may not cover this particular test. Many of these plans do cover IVF treatments in part or in wholly. This cost however is an additional cost to the IVF treatment cost. It is best to speak to your health insurance provider to confirm the details for your cover.

Conclusion

PGT protocols are vital in allowing individuals and couples have a chance at fighting for the health of their unborn children. However, when they are used without any medical precedence, they have proven controversial. Therefore providers have been urged to exercise ethical caution in the use of PGT protocols for non-medical reasons. Consequently, providers have policies that regulate its use, and patients must familiarize themselves with these protocols prior to  beginning treatments. For more information on PGT contact IVF Fertility Center. We are happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding hereditary conditions and family building.