Archive · 3 Aug 2025
Gender Bias in IVF: Why Boy Preference Persists
Some couples are using a science called IVF to choose if they want a boy or girl.
This is causing a problem because in some places, people think boys are more important than girls, especially in places like India.
This is because of old traditions where only boys were allowed to take care of the family or take over the business.
In India, it's against the law to choose the baby's gender, but some people go to other countries where it's allowed.
It's important to change the way people think and help women become more independent so that all children are equally valued.
IVF technology enables sex selection, leading to requests for male children.
Cultural pressures in India favor male offspring for lineage and inheritance.
Legal sex selection is prohibited in India, but some seek it abroad.
The PCPNDT Act aims to curb sex selection practices in India.
Changing societal beliefs and empowering women economically are crucial.
- Who
- Gynecologist Dr. Rhythm Bhalla and couples seeking IVF treatment.
- What
- The article discusses the issue of sex selection through IVF, highlighting the preference for male children.
- When
- The article reflects on the current societal practices.
- Where
- Focus is on India, with mentions of other countries where sex selection is practiced.
- Why
- Driven by cultural beliefs, lineage, and inheritance expectations favoring male children.
Traditional/Patriarchal View
Modern/Egalitarian View
Inheritance and Family Legacy
Traditional/Patriarchal View
Sons are preferred to carry on the family name and lineage.
Modern/Egalitarian View
Daughters are equally capable of these roles.
- Medical Procedure
- In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Legal Status in India
- Sex selection is prohibited
- Act regulating sex selection
- Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act
- Geographic Focus
- India, with mentions of international clinics
- Cultural Factors
- Lineage, inheritance, family name