Gender selection has become increasingly popular in the last few years with the help of recent advancements in technology. Currently three methods of gender selection are available, each varying in level of technology, accuracy, and of course cost. Staining technology and sperm sorting are the first two options. PGD, being the most expensive, is also the most debatable of the three techniques.
PGD was originally used as a method to identify embryos that showed evidence of genetic disorder only, and not for gender selection. The intent was to minimize the risk that couples with a history of genetic disorder would have a child with genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. PGD is still used for this purpose with little debate, however the ethical debate arises when the procedure is sought out for the sole purpose of gender selection.
The reason for concern is the issues that arise as a result of discriminating against one gender over the other. The problem is that that most couples seek this option to have a male child. Unwarranted gender selection raises concerns of creating and sustaining a gender discriminatory society. Those who are pro gender selection state that it would only increase the value of women due to more competition among men. Those who oppose the idea do so on the basis that it would not create value for women but the exact opposite. This type of ?free-will? creates an artificial imbalance and is a breeding ground for larger problems.
Religious and ethical views frown on individuals trying to ?play God? and the issue that children are now becoming marketable commodities. After choosing the gender, you don't have to stop there, you can choose eye and hair color also, in essence you can design your own baby. Another ethical issue with PGD is what to do with the remaining embryos that do not ?make the cut.? For those who believe that life has actually started at this stage, it becomes an issue of throwing away or aborting a life.
To avoid falling into the ethical trap, many clinics only offer PGD for health precautions, which includes gender selection for the purpose of avoiding sex-related diorders. However, with rising demand, more and more facilities are offering gender selection regardless of their purpose. Couples who have chosen gender selection should not be singled out as being unethical because often times the decision is merely based on personal preference or societal factors without considering the ethical issues involved. For those suffering from infertility, the issue is less likely to appear, as value is placed on being able to conceive a child whether male or female.
When parents-to-be work with a fertility clinic, it is important to know the cost of gender selection. After all, if a couple wishes to decide the gender of their future child, it is obviously necessary to get an idea of the financial cost of the procedure. What may be more interesting to examine though, aside from the cost of gender selection, are the benefits and the how the selection is handled.
Firstly, the cost of gender selection can range from $3,000-$5,000 dollars depending on the clinic, the situation, etc. The cost of gender selection is often very little compared to the ability to determine something as personal as gender. Likewise, aside from the cost of gender selection there is the option of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), which allows parents to determine the likelihood of a disorder or disease in their child to be. Thus the cost of gender selection and PGD is by no means unreasonable when you consider the ability to prevent diseases that may mar the life of the child or family in some fashion. It is all a matter of personal choice after all, and with modern technology offering such breakthroughs in the way fertility is handled, the cost of gender selection is actually quite minor.
When considering the cost of gender selection though, it is important to think of financial budgeting and whether the cost fits into your personal lifestyle. If you are already having to undergo various other treatments just to conceive or bring a new life into the world then it is important to consider the expense of those treatments and procedures along side the cost of gender selection. Gender selection is not for every couple or family. Sometimes it is fun to anticipate the gender of a new addition to the family and gender selection can remove that spontaneity. However, regardless of this aspect, the cost of gender selection remains feasible for various income types due to financing options at some fertility clinics.
The cost of gender selection is sometimes a cost that can be financed and taken care of with the help of the fertility clinic of your choosing. Since most fertility matters are not covered by major insurance carriers, and it is important to verify that with your own insurance, the cost of gender selection may be a cost which clinics offer some form of financing. Furthermore, gender selection is such an interesting technological breakthrough that many families find it very appealing to have the ability to choose to have a girl when their family already consists of boys. With this in mind, the cost of gender selection need not be burdensome and if you have already considered its viability and have questioned the costs, you can rest assured that it is usually possible to fit the cost of gender selection into your budget.
It is always vital to be realistic about your personal financial life and health before making decisions. Be fully aware of the cost of gender selection before you decide to make it a part of your family. You want to make sure you can provide the best care to your family and new child regardless of gender, so be sure to discuss the extra cost and your motives to decide if it is right for you.
Both Victoria Caldwell & Beth Ortiz are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Victoria Caldwell has sinced written about articles on various topics from Latest Election News. Victoria Caldwell is founder of a site that provides valuable information, products, and resources for infertility patients.. Victoria Caldwell's top article generates over 880 views. to your Favourites.
Beth Ortiz has sinced written about articles on various topics from Infertility, Family Concerns and Latest Election News. Visit FertilityProRegistry to find a near you and to find more information on the. Beth Ortiz's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.