FAIRFAX, VA The Genetics and IVF Institute (GIVF) in Fairfax, Virginia, is conducting an FDA-endorsed clinical trial of the new Microsort technology for sex-selection of embryos created using in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Thus far 400 couples have signed on to the trial, which is nearly half-way to completion.
The Microsort technique for sex-selection involves using dye to mark sperm and a laser to sort the sperm based on the knowledge that sperm which will produce girls have more DNA.
Microsort is part of a group of technologies collectively known as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). PGD was originally developed to pre-select for embryos which are healthy, versus those who potentially have genetic diseases such as Down's Syndrome or Neuromuscular disorders.
Margaret Somerville, a professor at McGill's Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law, condemns “new genetics” which she says “is functioning as eugenics.”
“Decisions by individuals based on preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of IVF embryos, or prenatal screening of fetuses,” she says, “means we will eliminate certain groups of people, for example, Down's Syndrome children, from our society.”
In a BBC interview on the topic of sex selection, Rachel Heath, assistant director of education for the pro-life charity Life, told the BBC news that “Children are a precious gift, and should be accepted totally unconditionally. We are concerned that children are increasingly being seen as commodities to be manufactured to specification as though they can be taken off the supermarket shelf.”
IVF in itself implies the creation of many embryos usually a dozen or so; with PGD, only those children with the desired gender (or genetic trait being selected) are implanted into the womb of the woman. The remaining embryos either remain in frozen form indefinitely or are killed. The third option is adoption now being offered at some IVF clinics in the UK allowing women to implant these children who would otherwise be killed.
The average cost for PGD sex-selection IVF is close to 20,000 US dollars.
See also:
McGill Speaker Condemns New 'Eugenics'
(This update courtesy of LifeSiteNews.com.)