Prenatal diagnosis and sex selection in 19 nations.
As part of a study of ethics and human genetics in 19 nations, we surveyed attitudes of 71 medical geneticists in 4 developing nations (Brazil, Greece, India and Turkey), and 611 geneticists in 15 developed nations, using anonymous questionnaires. Overall, 52% in India, 30% in Brazil, 29% in Greece, and 20% in Turkey would perform prenatal diagnosis to select a male fetus for a couple with 4 daughters and no sons. Sex selection is the major use of prenatal diagnosis in India. The majority in the U.S.A. (62%) and Hungary (60%) would also do sex selection or refer. We discuss possible means of preventing sex selection while avoiding medical paternalism and promoting the autonomy of women.
Wertz
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DC
Shriver Center for Mental Retardation, Division of Social Science, Ethics and Law, Waltham, MA 02254.
Fletcher
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JC
D001290:Attitude; D028781:Ethical Relativism; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005826:Genetics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis; D012732:Sex Determination Analysis; D012743:Sex Preselection; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires