FAQs about sex selection

I've seen clinics advertising services to select the sex of my child. Can they offer this?
Before 5 July 2007 clinics which wanted to offer patients sex selection by sperm sorting for social reasons did not need to be licensed by the HFEA.

On 5 July 2007 the European Tissues and Cells Directive (EUTD) came into effect in the UK. This means that since that date any clinics which want to carry out the processing of sperm, including sperm sorting for sex selection for social reasons, must be licensed by the HFEA.

Information for clinics about the coming into effect of the EUTD and the need for licences has been provided on the HFEA's website since 2004 and the Department of Health's website since 2005, at workshops held by the HFEA in Autumn 2006 and in correspondence from the HFEA since March 2007.

Currently no clinics have licences issued by the HFEA to offer sex selection by sperm sorting for social reasons, so no clinics can offer patients these treatment services at present.


What is sperm sorting?
The various sperm sorting methods aim to separate those individual sperm which contain Y chromosomes (which give rise to boys) from those which contain X chromosomes (which give rise to girls). Once separated, the sperm can be used for fertility treatment such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) and IVF (in vitro fertilisation).


I need to choose the sex of my child to avoid passing on a serious medical condition.  Can I do this?
People who carry the genes for certain serious medical conditions (such as haemophilia) can avoid passing the condition on by selecting the sex of their child. A number of clinics are licensed to offer sex selection for medical reasons using the reliable PGD method.

If you feel you may need to use sex selection for such reasons, please ask your doctor for advice.

 

What is PGD for sex selection?
PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) for sex selection for medical reasons involves going through IVF to create embryos which are then analysed to determine which sex they would develop into. The embryos of the chosen sex are then put back into the woman as part of the treatment.


I have paid money for a service/treatment that I have not received.  What can I do ?
Treatment costs and payment arrangements do not fall within the HFEA's regulatory remit - the HFEA's role is limited to ensuring that information is given to patients by clinics prior to treatment.

If you have a concern or experience difficulties regarding treatment costs or payment arrangements, you could approach your local Trading Standards office or branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

To find details of your local office or branch, please go to:

 

Last updated: 10 August 2007