Green light for sex selection to avoid genetic disorders

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to determine the sex of an IVF embryo is ethically acceptable when used to prevent the transmission of a genetic disorder, according to a statement by the Ethics Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). The committee's statement makes clear that sex selection using PGD for non-medical family balancing is firmly discouraged. Non-medical use of the technology has the potential for gender bias, harm to individuals and could be an inappropriate use and allocation of medical resources, according to the report. ASRM's Ethics Committee provides ethical guidance to its 9000 members.