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Some couples prefer to choose the gender of their offspring for a variety of reasons. A couple may opt for gender selection to avoid a “sex linked” genetic disease, such as Hemophilia. While another couple may desire to choose the sex of their baby to balance with the gender of their already existent offspring. There are two methods of gender selection used today, Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), also known as embryo screening or preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) and sperm sorting. In the past PGD was most commonly used for diagnosis of a genetic disease in early embryos prior to implantation and pregancy, and more recently it has been used for testing for common chromosome abnormalities. IVF with PGD refers to embryos resulting from an in-vitro fertilization cycle that are genetically screened for X or Y Chromosomes. The embryos of the desired sex are then implanted.
Microsort is a method that enables the separation of X Chromosome sperm from Y Chromosome sperm, which can then be used in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. Flow cytometry, the technique used to analyze and sort spermatozoa, relies on the DNA difference between the X and the Y Chromosomes. Before flow cytometric sorting is acutally applied, semen is tagged with a fluorescent dye that binds to the DNA of each spermatozoon. The larger “female” X chromosome bearing more DNA than the “male” Y chromosome will absorb more dye than it’s Y Chromosome counterpart, causing the sperm with the X Chromosomes to flouresce more brightly than the sperm with the Y Chromosomes. The flow cytometer will then detect the difference in brightness between the X and Y Chromosomes and separate them as they move through the machine. Success rates for both methods of gender selection vary. Scientists claim that sperm sorting success rates for girls are higher than for boys, while PGD is at least 95% effective for both genders. Legality Although gender selection is legal in many countries, it still remains a controversial issue all over the world. Some countries, such as the UK, Australia and Canada, only allow sex selection if the offspring is in danger of a sex-linked genetic disorder. In other countries, such as India and China, where even determining the sex of a fetus prior to birth is illegal, gender selection of any sort is also illegal. Yet, despite the limited availability and expense of sex selection procedures, its poularity is growing. In countries where gender selection is legal, cost is still an issue. In the United States, IVF with PGD can cost up to $19,000, which is why many Americans find themselves seeking fertility treatment in places like Mexico, Costa Rica and other nearby countries. Some European countries, such as Germany and Italy have banned embryo freezing, egg donation and even embryo screening for genetic diseases, compelling couples to travel to countries where these treatments are legal, at least for medical reasons, such as the UK, Belgium and Spain. Gender selection in the Islamic world remains controversial as well. In the abscence of a clear text on the issue of gender selection, some modern scholars have been compelled to accept gender selection as being religiously permissable. However, in some countries where gender selection has turned into gender discrimination, gender selection technologies are completely banned. This leaves barren couples who want to have a child and as well as select the gender of that child, for whatever reason, with no other choice but to cross borders to muslim or non-muslim countries where it is legal to carry-out such methods of assisted reproductive technology or forfeit their chance of having a child. We, at VisitandCare.com hope to assist couples or individuals from all over the world find treatment in countries where such methods are not a major bioethical concern and costs are affordable. |
Infertility Treatment Centers
Acibadem Healthcare Group: Infertility Treatment Center - ISTANBUL / Turkey
Acıbadem has signed a cooperation agreement with Harvard Medical International which is a world famous institution in terms of medical education and services.
Languages : English
Memorial Health Group Tube Baby-Andrology and Genetics Center - ISTANBUL / Turkey
Memorial IVF, Andrology and Genetic Center provides top quality service with its experienced team, strong infrastructure and modern treatment methods.
Languages : English, German
Jinemed Hospital - ISTANBUL / Turkey
Jinemed Medical Center was founded in 1989 by Prof. Dr. Teksen Camlibel as a private clinic specializing in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Languages : English, German, Turkish
Cyprus IVF Center - FAMAGUSTA / Cyprus
CYPRUS IVF CENTER (CIC) was set up on the 22nd April 2005. We are proud to be affiliated with German Hospital IVF Center in Istanbul, established in 1996.
Languages : English, French
Akanksha Infertility Clinic - ANAND / India
The Akanksha Infertility Clinic in Anand, Gujarat, India, has extensive experience helping international patients establish successful pregnancies, at very low costs. The clinic has been featured on the…
Languages : English
German Hospital IVF Center and Bahceci Clinic - ISTANBUL / Turkey
The German Hospital IVF Center and Bahceci Clinic has proven its distinctiveness and superiority over other centers in the sector with its pregnancy rates.
Languages : English, German
UKCFA - London / United Kingdom
This clinic is for UK women who want to begin receiving treatment in their home country.
Languages : English
