Can you choose gender for IVF in the United States

Can you choose the gender of your child through IVF in the United States? The short answer is: it’s complicated, and largely depends on your reason.

While sex selection is technically possible through Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) in the US, it’s not freely available for social reasons. PGD is primarily used to screen embryos for genetic abnormalities and diseases. If, during this screening, the sex of the embryo is revealed, and the parents choose to implant only embryos of a particular sex, it’s legally permissible only if there’s a documented medical reason. This means a high risk of passing on a sex-linked genetic disorder like hemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Therefore, choosing the gender of your child solely for personal preference—such as family balancing or simply wanting a boy or girl—is generally not permitted in the US. Fertility clinics and doctors are ethically bound to adhere to these regulations, and violating them could result in significant legal and professional repercussions.

Some clinics might offer sex selection under the guise of medical necessity when it’s not truly justified. This is unethical and potentially illegal. Parents should be wary of such practices and ensure that any medical justification is legitimate and well-documented.

In summary: While the technology exists, choosing the gender of your child for non-medical reasons is illegal and unethical in the United States. PGD for sex selection is only permissible when there is a significant risk of transmitting a sex-linked genetic disease. Patients should always seek transparent and ethical fertility clinics and discuss all procedures openly and honestly with their doctors.