If you’re exploring IVF (In Vitro Fertilization), you may have come across the option of gender selection—also known as sex selection. While some parents hope to balance their family or avoid passing on sex-linked genetic disorders, others are simply curious about how far science has come in reproductive choice.
So, can you choose your baby’s gender during IVF?
The short answer is yes—technologically, it’s possible. But whether it’s legally permitted depends on where you live.
How Gender Selection Works in IVF
Gender selection during IVF is possible through a technique called Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT). After fertilization, embryos are grown to the blastocyst stage (day 5 or 6), and a few cells are biopsied for genetic testing. The test can identify:
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Sex chromosomes (XX for female, XY for male)
Once tested, embryos of the desired sex can be selected for transfer—if allowed by law.
Why People Consider Gender Selection
Medical Reasons
- To avoid passing on sex-linked genetic disorders (e.g., hemophilia, Duchenne muscular dystrophy)
- To improve implantation rates with chromosomally normal embryos
Non-Medical Reasons
- Family balancing—desiring a child of a specific gender after having children of the opposite sex
- Personal or cultural preference (where permitted)
What’s the Legal Status of Gender Selection?
🌐 Globally
Laws vary by country.
- United States: Legal for both medical and non-medical reasons in many states
- United Kingdom & Canada: Only permitted for medical reasons
- Australia: Legal in some states with approval
🇮🇳 India’s Legal Stance on Gender Selection
In India, choosing your baby’s gender during IVF is strictly illegal, even for non-implantation purposes.
The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, enacted in 1994 and amended in 2003, prohibits any form of sex selection, whether before or after conception. This law was introduced to curb the issue of gender-biased sex selection and female foeticide.
What this means:
- Gender determination through IVF or PGT for non-medical reasons is not allowed
- Fertility clinics and labs cannot disclose the sex of the embryo to the parents
- Violations can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and fines
👉 If you’re undergoing IVF in India, your doctor or fertility clinic is legally bound to follow these regulations.
Is Gender Selection Accurate?
When done legally and ethically, gender selection through PGT is over 99% accurate. That’s because the actual chromosomes are tested—not guessed through symptoms or ultrasound.
Ethical Considerations
While the ability to choose a baby’s gender can be appealing to some, it also raises ethical concerns:
- Could it lead to gender bias?
- Is it a step toward “designer babies”?
At Fertility Nest, we help clients explore not only what’s medically possible but also what aligns with their values, cultural context, and emotional well-being.
Is Gender Selection Right for You?
If you’re considering gender selection as part of your IVF journey, it’s essential to understand the medical, legal, and ethical landscape—especially if you live in a country like India where it is prohibited.
Our fertility coaching services provide emotional support, clarity, and personalized guidance no matter where you are in your fertility process.
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Let’s talk about your unique journey. We’re here to empower your decisions with compassionate, informed support.
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