The Manipulation of Birth: How the authority puts the case for and against

THE Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority has set out the following arguments in its consultative document.

Sex selection of babies should not be allowed because:

Sex selection would upset the balance of males and females which are produced by nature;

Many who have religious beliefs feel that the determination of sex is divine. Humans should not seek to 'play God';

Sex selection could place undesirable emphasis on the value of either sex;

It is a slippery slope towards selecting children for specific characteristics, such as hair or eye colour;

Buying a selection service could reduce children to consumer goods. A child could be valued for its sex rather than itself.

Selection should be allowed because:

People should be allowed to exercise as much free will over their lives as possible;

If medical science allows a new choice, without harm, people should be able to exercise it;

Throughout history people have sought to reduce their dependence on the environment and upon chance;

Accepting the lottery of natural sex determination cannot be said to be morally superior to exercising choice;

A child who is the 'right' sex would be greatly loved and valued.

Sex Selection; Public Consultation Document; Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, Paxton House, 30 Artillery Lane, London SE1 7LS; free.