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IVF push to choose baby's gender

Posted by: 2UE | 13 March, 2010 - 9:45 AM
Families Minister Macklin reveals changes to baby bonus scheme

Australian fertility doctors are reportedly behind a push to allow couples to choose their baby's gender, for cultural reasons, or to balance their family.

There's currently a five-year ban in place from making the practice widespread, parents can only now use gender selection technology, if they have a serious genetic condition, which they don't want to pass onto their children.

The Telegraph reports IVF clinics want the Health and Medical Research council to end the ban, giving couples the option of which sex they would prefer.


Blog comments Your Say

  • I think the choice should be available for those of us who are desperate enough to want it. How can this be considered 'distasteful' or unethical when abortion is legal...?
    I have 4 sons and would be much more 'at peace' if I could use this technology(and afford it..)
    And to all those people who say we should just be happy with what we've got - yes we should but it's not that easy. Medical technology is used every day to help people, it should be extended to family balancing too.

    elisa Friday 26 March, 2010 - 9:25 PM
  • I think that choosing the sex of a baby is wrong....I have 3 sons and desperately wanted a girl after my first child. I think the choosing of the sex of a child should only be in medical cases where there is the risk of having a child with a severe genetic condition. Male or female, children are a gift.

    Leonie Rubechi Saturday 13 March, 2010 - 8:53 PM

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