Sex selection is a means of achieving the desired sex of an offspring mostly before implantation of the embryo. It is also called family balancing because it attempts to ensure the presence of the desired gender in a family, particularly a male child.
In many cultures of the world including Nigeria, there is a preference for male children. Factors responsible for sex selection include:
- A preference for sons who will continue the family lineage and inherit the family property thus securing its future
- Reduced childbearing, thus encouraging couples to determine the sex of the children
- Scientific advancement in Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Prenatal Diagnosis which allows parents to determine and know the sex of their unborn child
There are two major methods of pre-implantation methods used for sex selection. They include:
THE ERICSSON METHOD
This was the first method developed and has a success rate of 70-72% for boys and a 69-75% success rate for girls. It has a 30% failure rate.
PGD TECHNIQUE
After fertilization of the egg with the sperm, an embryo develops. Before the embryo is put back into the uterus, a biopsy is taken to check for the sex of the embryo. A Geneticist studies the chromosomes in the biopsied cells for genetic defects and a definite analysis of the embryo’s gender. Embryos of the gender desired are implanted back in the mother’s womb. Its success rate is about 95 % but it is more expensive than the Ericsson method.
