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Ethical and social issues in prenatal sex selection: A survey of geneticists in 37 nations

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  • Wertz, Dorothy C.
  • Fletcher, John C.

Abstract

In a recent 37-nation survey of 2903 geneticists and genetic counselors, 29% would perform prenatal diagnosis (PND) for a couple with four girls who want a boy and would abort a female fetus. An additional 20% would offer a referral. The percentage who would perform PND in the United States (34%) was exceeded only by Israel (68%), Cuba (62%), Peru (39%), and Mexico (38%). In all, 47% had had requests for sex selection. There appears to be a trend toward honoring such requests since a similar survey in 1985. This paper discusses reasons for this trend and the ethical dilemmas of refusing patient requests in societies where individual autonomy is stressed.

Suggested Citation

  • Wertz, Dorothy C. & Fletcher, John C., 1998. "Ethical and social issues in prenatal sex selection: A survey of geneticists in 37 nations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 46(2), pages 255-273, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:46:y:1998:i:2:p:255-273
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    Cited by:

    1. Sleeboom-Faulkner, Margaret Elizabeth, 2011. "Genetic testing, governance, and the family in the People's Republic of China," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(11), pages 1802-1809, June.

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