High and growing disapproval of sex-selection technology in Australia

Perceptions towards sex selection among Jordanian population: A survey study

Sex selection is becoming a more common practice in the society and worldwide. The current study aimed to examine the perceptions about sex selection options and possible association with sociodemographic factors and relevant characteristics. The study was a cross-sectional survey of adults in Jordan in January and February 2020 using a self-administered questionnaire. Results showed that 40.1% of respondents preferred male gender when having a child, 22.4% of respondents preferred the male gender when having a child, even if they have had children of both genders, and 71.3% preferred having children from both genders. On the other hand, 58.8% of participants preferred a male gender when there is one chance to conceive via assisted reproduction technologies. Also, among participants, 66% thought that sex selection is religiously acceptable, yet 78.0% did not support of the sex selection idea. The above factors were significantly associated with several sociodemographic variables such as gender, marital status, education, career, and place of residence, but not income. In conclusion, the current study shed a light on preferences towards sex selection in a large cohort to better understand the perception and attitude of the population towards this practice.

Game-Changing Approaches in Sperm Sex-Sorting: Microfluidics and Nanotechnology

Simple Summary

Sexing of sperm cells, including the capacity to preselect the sex of offspring prior to reproduction, has been a major target of reproductive biotechnology for a very long time. The advances in molecular biology, biophysics, and computer science over the past few decades, as well as the groundbreaking new methods introduced by scientists, have contributed to some major breakthroughs in a variety of branches of medicine. In particular, assisted reproduction is one of the areas in which emerging technologies such as nanotechnology and microfluidics may enhance the fertility potential of samples of sex-sorted semen, thus improving the reproductive management of farm animals and conservation programs. In human medicine, embryo sex-selection using in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) is accepted only for medical reasons. Using sex-sorting before IVF would enable specialists to prevent sex-linked genetic diseases and prevent the discharge of embryos which are not suitable for transfer due to their sex.

Abstract

The utilization of sex-sorted sperm for artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization is considered a valuable tool for improving production efficiency and optimizing reproductive management in farm animals, subsequently ensuring sufficient food resource for the growing human population. Despite the fact that sperm sex-sorting is one of the most intense studied technologies and notable progress have been made in the past three decades to optimize it, the conception rates when using sex-sorted semen are still under expectations. Assisted reproduction programs may benefit from the use of emergent nano and microfluidic-based technologies. This article addresses the currently used methods for sperm sex-sorting, as well as the emerging ones, based on nanotechnology and microfluidics emphasizing on their practical and economic applicability.