P-382 A moral appraisal of utilization of the sex selection method to avoid sexual discrimination
Authors: Rasekh M , Ameri F , Domanloo F , Ghorbani B 
Published: June 2023

Study question

Is it morally justified to utilize the sex selection method in countries where sex discriminations against one sex are prevalent?

Summary answer

Sex selection is not morally justifiable except in certain specific cases. Avoidance of sexual discrimination may not be included in the said exceptional cases.

What is known already

No enactment exists in Iran that authorizes or forbids sex selection. Given this legal gap, various clinics have adopted diverse practices. For instance, a number of them have embraced sex selection methods just for therapeutic purposes, while other ones utilize them for non-therapeutic aims. In countries like Iran where cultural structures and laws provide better life conditions for a particular sex, i.e. the male one, a group of parents tend to resort to the sex selection method so as to bring about a thriving and more prosperous circumstance for their future child.

Study design, size, duration

Cases of couples who have referred to infertility treatments centers over the last six years have been studied. About two third of them have applied for a male sex embryo. Upon interview, it is found out that one third of them, despite not believing in the supremacy of the male sex, have inevitably applied for this sex so as to secure a better future for their child.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Experts of various fields, i.e. philosophy, law, sociology and medicine, have contributed to this research. The research materials are drawn from existing cases in an ARTs clinic in Tehran, plus the related humanities literature (in particular, those of law, philosophy and sociology). The research method, hence, is an empirical-cum-analytical one.

Main results and the role of chance

Although it is a moral duty to resist discrimination and to bring about a just structure for the growth and development of all individuals in the society, it does not seem that this can be achieved by preventing the birth of a particular sex. This way of tackling the problem is equal to the dissolution of the problem, rather than a resolution for such a profound human conundrum. First, the sex selection method is not accessible to all parents, say (at least) due to the financial costs, a fact that in its turn is a grave discrimination against the un-wealthy parents. Secondly, the fact that the sex selection applicants are dominantly going for the male sex intensifies the male oriented prevalent culture and, hence, deepens sex discrimination practices. Thirdly, provision of sex selection facilities in an unfettered way will harm the population balance, in terms of sexes, and create more problems for the whole society. On this basis, making a recourse to sex selection methods in order to counter sex-based discriminations does not seem to be a morally right measure. This is deeply dubious from a moral vantage point.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Applicants’ cases were anonymized so that their privacy could be protected. Researchers are also bound not to mention the name of the infertility clinic due to the particular situation in the society.

Wider implications of the findings

It seems that attempts, such as civil struggles and public awareness broadening endeavours, which are made to change prevalent discriminative attitudes, although time consuming, would be much more appropriate, in moral terms, and more effective in tackling discriminations against women.

Trial registration number

not applicable