Press Releases

<< back to press releases

CMF calls for ban on sex selection

Published: 22nd January 2003

'Sex selection is inherently discriminatory,' says CMF General Secretary, Dr Peter Saunders. 'It deems, solely on the basis of sex, that one individual is more worthy of life than another.

'"Family balancing", given as a reason for allowing sex selection, is merely a clever euphemism for discrimination on the grounds of parental preference. Rather than allowing sex selection, the UK should be setting an example on the international stage that reaffirms the value of each individual and opposes discrimination in any form, be it on the basis of sex, race or disability. Societies will ultimately be judged by the way they value their weakest members; and sex selection even for the prevention of severe disability stigmatises, devalues and discriminates against vulnerable people who have as much right to care and protection as any of us. We do not want to go down this route.'

The HFEA previously held a consultation on sex selection in 1993, and in 1994 licensed sex selective PGD (pre-implantation genetic diagnosis) so that embryos affected with serious sex-linked disorders could be identified and destroyed. 'Social' sex selection was not permitted at that time, but since then techniques for sperm sorting have improved, with the US machine MicroSort hitting the headlines in autumn 2002 amidst reports that it could be brought to clinics in the UK. In the current consultation, the HFEA proposes that it should regulate the technique in the UK, and tests the public's acceptance of sex selective procedures. The responses it receives should inform any changes it recommends for current practice.

Added Peter Saunders: 'Permitting sex selection would reinforce the attitude that regards children as commodities. Children are gifts not products. They are not designed to meet our preferences but given into our care as unique people with dignity and status who are worthy of the utmost respect. Sex selection offends that dignity and runs counter to the unconditional acceptance that each child deserves. It implies that some human beings are more worthy of life than others, purely on the basis of biological characteristics.

'Sex selection may have adverse consequences for social structures. In some regions of India the ratio between the sexes is as low as 800 girls to every 1,000 boys. Sex selection practices in China have resulted in a large number of men without wives, and a black market in women has resulted. The UK is a multi-cultural society, and some of our citizens live with cultural pressures that prefer children of a specific sex - we are not immune to the population effects that are witnessed elsewhere. But even if we were, our opposition to practices in China and India that favour male children would be hypocritical if we legitimised sex selection here. Sex selection is a global issue and it is essential that the HFEA recognises its international responsibilities.

'If sex selection is approved and regulated, it will only be a matter of time before some parents will demand the 'right' to choose 'designer babies'. If a couple is permitted to select for a male child, why not also an athletic boy with blond hair and blue eyes? If sex selection is allowed, permitting choices about other biological characteristics is a logical progression - which is why we must firmly set a standard that rules out any sex selection.'

For further information:

Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668

Media Enquiries:

Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225

About CMF:

Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.

CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.