Emi Nietfeld, a software engineer and author, discusses the controversial topic of choosing a child's sex through IVF in the US. The podcast explores societal norms, ethical dilemmas, and the commercialization of IVF. It also delves into the historical context of anti-discrimination laws and the complexities of genetic testing in embryo selection.
IVF sex selection in the US reflects a trend of parents desiring daughters, raising ethical concerns and societal implications.
Clinics offering sex selection services in IVF lack regulation, posing risks for patients and highlighting the complex landscape of reproductive technologies.
Deep dives
The Growing Trend of Sex Selection Through IVF
In the tech and fertility industries, many individuals are turning to IVF for sex selection, with some clinics offering the service regardless of fertility issues. The ability to choose the sex of a child before birth is increasingly common in the US, with a significant percentage of couples opting for this method, often desiring daughters. While the practice has ethical implications and societal impacts, it reflects a growing trend in family planning that goes beyond infertility concerns.
Ethical and Regulatory Challenges Surrounding IVF Sex Selection
The practice of sex selection for embryos in IVF raises ethical questions about gender preference and parental expectations. Clinics offering such services rely on promoting reproductive choice and autonomy, paralleling arguments seen in the abortion debate. Despite some pushback, regulations around IVF in the US remain limited, leading to a lack of oversight and potential risks for patients. The intersection of reproductive technologies, parental desires, and societal norms underscores the complex landscape of IVF sex selection.
Personal Reflection and Decision-making on Sex Selection in IVF
As individuals navigate the possibility of sex selection through IVF, personal reflections often come into play, influencing decisions about selecting a child's sex before birth. Some parents grapple with the societal and personal implications of choosing a child's gender prenatally, considering the long-term impacts on family dynamics and individual identities. The podcast host's own experience with IVF highlights the nuanced considerations involved in deciding whether to opt for sex selection, reflecting broader conversations around autonomy, societal norms, and parenting expectations.
Want more What Next TBD? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen.