Ethical considerations in prenatal sex selection.
Developments in assisted reproductive technologies have made it possible for couples to select the sex of a child prenatally. This article used the NASW Code of Ethics and information from the Ethics Committee of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine to consider ethical dilemmas related to social justice (for example, reinforcement of gender bias, the potential for gender discrimination and oppression, a move toward eugenics, restricted access based on social or economic status, and the discarding of human embryos), the importance of human relationships (for example, threats to the well-being of sex-selected children, parent-child relationships, and couple relationships), and self-determination and the dignity and worth of the individual (for example, the right of individuals or couples to choice and personal desires). Implications are discussed for social work practice, policy articulation and advocacy, research, and education.
School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109-1106, USA. lholling@umich.edu
Leslie Doty
LD
Hollingsworth
D000300:Adoption; D019049:Developed Countries; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D012743:Sex Preselection / Q000941:ethics* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012947:Social Work