Menu
12/11/2003
Baby gender selection should only be allowed on medical grounds
Using fertility techniques to choose the gender of one's offspring should only ever be made on medical grounds, a leading science authority has said today.
The current policy of only allowing sex selection to avoid serious sex-linked disorders should continue said the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), but sex selection techniques involving sperm sorting should be regulated in the UK.
In its report published today, the agency found that 80% of people in the UK did not want sex selection techniques to be made available for non-medical reasons.
The HFEA made its call after a year-long review on sex selection which took into account both public and expert opinion on the use of sex selection as well as specially commissioned research on the scientific, technical, social and ethical issues.
The HFEA undertook the review on sex selection at the request of the Minister for Public Health. Part of this review was an HFEA public consultation, funded by the Department of Health, which also found overwhelming support for sex selection techniques to be regulated. At the moment some of these techniques, those which involve sperm sorting, are not regulated.
HFEA Chair Suzi Leather said: “We have found this a difficult issue. It has taken us over a year to reach conclusions because of their far-reaching nature. But it is clear that most people are against sex selection for social reasons. The HFEA has to balance the potential benefit of any technique against the potential harm. We are not persuaded that the likely benefits of permitting sex selection for social reasons are strong enough to outweigh the possible harm that might be done.”
The Chairman of the BMA's Ethics Committee, Dr Michael Wilks, welcomed the report and said: "The BMA believes that sex selection should only be used for medical reasons, for example, to avoid the birth of a child with a severe disorder that only affects one sex.
"Sex selection purely for social reasons is unacceptable."
(gmcg)
The current policy of only allowing sex selection to avoid serious sex-linked disorders should continue said the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), but sex selection techniques involving sperm sorting should be regulated in the UK.
In its report published today, the agency found that 80% of people in the UK did not want sex selection techniques to be made available for non-medical reasons.
The HFEA made its call after a year-long review on sex selection which took into account both public and expert opinion on the use of sex selection as well as specially commissioned research on the scientific, technical, social and ethical issues.
The HFEA undertook the review on sex selection at the request of the Minister for Public Health. Part of this review was an HFEA public consultation, funded by the Department of Health, which also found overwhelming support for sex selection techniques to be regulated. At the moment some of these techniques, those which involve sperm sorting, are not regulated.
HFEA Chair Suzi Leather said: “We have found this a difficult issue. It has taken us over a year to reach conclusions because of their far-reaching nature. But it is clear that most people are against sex selection for social reasons. The HFEA has to balance the potential benefit of any technique against the potential harm. We are not persuaded that the likely benefits of permitting sex selection for social reasons are strong enough to outweigh the possible harm that might be done.”
The Chairman of the BMA's Ethics Committee, Dr Michael Wilks, welcomed the report and said: "The BMA believes that sex selection should only be used for medical reasons, for example, to avoid the birth of a child with a severe disorder that only affects one sex.
"Sex selection purely for social reasons is unacceptable."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 September 2011
Gay Men's Blood Donation Ban To End
The lifetime ban on blood donation by men who have had sex with men is to be lifted following an evidence-based review by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO).
Gay Men's Blood Donation Ban To End
The lifetime ban on blood donation by men who have had sex with men is to be lifted following an evidence-based review by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood, Tissues and Organs (SaBTO).
04 November 2014
MPs Support Motion To Clarify Illegality Of Sex-Selection Aborts
MPs have voted in support of a motion declaring that sex-selection abortion is illegal. A cross-party alliance of MPs brought the motion in an effort to end uncertainty over the issue, with MPs voting 181 to 1 in favour.
MPs Support Motion To Clarify Illegality Of Sex-Selection Aborts
MPs have voted in support of a motion declaring that sex-selection abortion is illegal. A cross-party alliance of MPs brought the motion in an effort to end uncertainty over the issue, with MPs voting 181 to 1 in favour.
16 August 2010
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
Government 'To Axe Mixed-Sex Hospital Wards'
Mixed-sex hospital wards are to be axed in England by the end of the year, the government has announced. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that he had repeatedly expressed "deep frustration" that the practice had not been stopped and said: "Eliminating mixed-sex accommodation is in patients' best interests.
03 March 2010
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
Sex Offender Identity Scheme Widens
More parents across the UK have been given the power to identify convicted paedophiles in their community. Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the scheme will improve protection for children by giving members of the public a formal mechanism to enquire about those in contact with young people.
15 April 2003
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
