UK sex selection ban will not be lifted

The head of the UK's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) said last week that it is unlikely to lift the ban on embryo sex selection. 'The public do not like, and we do not like the idea of designer babies,' Ruth Deech said on the BBC's Newsnight Scotland programme. She also said that current policy was the result of consultation with the public.

Ms Deech's comments followed a recent request by Alan and Louise Masterton, who want to use genetic testing and IVF to ensure their next child is a girl. Mrs Masterton was sterilised after the birth of their only daughter Nicole, who died in a bonfire accident aged three. But under UK law, embryo sex selection is only permitted for couples at risk of passing on a serious inherited condition to babies of a particular gender. 'It was decided we would not allow it for any social, physical or psychological reasons' said a spokesman for the HFEA.

Although the Mastertons have not yet officially applied for permission for the procedure through a licensed clinic, fertility expert Dr Simon Fishel claims the couple are in a catch-22 situation. 'We are all governed by our own ethics committees' said Dr Fishel, head of the Centre for Assisted Reproduction at the Park Hospital, Nottingham. 'We did put it to ours and their overriding concern was the view of the HFEA,' he said, adding that the Mastertons would be able to have the treatment abroad.

The Mastertons plan to take their case to court, claiming the right to family life and the right to a fair hearing from public authorities under the new human rights legislation.