Könsselektion

Könsselektion refers to the practice of choosing the sex of an offspring. This can be done through various methods, both natural and artificial. In humans, the desire for offspring of a particular sex can stem from cultural preferences, family balancing, or genetic predispositions to sex-linked diseases.

Natural methods of influencing offspring sex are limited and often unreliable. These include timing intercourse in relation to ovulation, with some theories suggesting different sperm motility or longevity based on whether they carry an X or Y chromosome. However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these methods is generally weak.

Artificial methods offer greater control. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Embryos are created in a lab, and a few cells are biopsied from each embryo to determine its sex before implantation. This method is highly accurate but is often ethically debated and legally restricted in many countries, primarily for non-medical reasons. Sperm sorting is another technique where sperm is separated based on the chromosome it carries, allowing for a higher probability of conceiving a child of the desired sex through artificial insemination or IVF. This method is less invasive than PGD but also less accurate.

The ethical implications of könsselektion are significant. Concerns include potential sex ratio imbalances in populations, reinforcement of gender stereotypes, and the commodification of human life. Many jurisdictions have laws or regulations in place to limit or prohibit sex selection for non-medical purposes.