Aggregated News
At least 90 Japanese couples have traveled to Thailand to receive preimplantation diagnosis for sex selection purposes this year, a procedure not allowed in Japan in principle, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned.
The diagnostic procedure checks the sex chromosomes of eggs fertilized via in vitro fertilization before they are implanted into a uterus. This enables accurate gender selection for children. Since gender selection has been strongly criticized as a selfish act by parents, and is not considered a medical practice, the latest finding is likely to incite an ethical controversy.
Through an interview with two medical institutions in Bangkok used by Japanese citizens, The Yomiuri Shimbun found the number of Japanese couples who received preimplantation gender diagnosis has increased each year.
Fifty couples received the diagnosis in 2009, 61 in 2010 and 103 in 2011.
It was also found that as of July, 90 Japanese couples have received a new diagnostic procedure that was introduced in February. The new method checks all sex chromosomes in a fertilized egg.
A Bangkok-based broker said more than 200 Japanese couples are expected to...
The diagnostic procedure checks the sex chromosomes of eggs fertilized via in vitro fertilization before they are implanted into a uterus. This enables accurate gender selection for children. Since gender selection has been strongly criticized as a selfish act by parents, and is not considered a medical practice, the latest finding is likely to incite an ethical controversy.
Through an interview with two medical institutions in Bangkok used by Japanese citizens, The Yomiuri Shimbun found the number of Japanese couples who received preimplantation gender diagnosis has increased each year.
Fifty couples received the diagnosis in 2009, 61 in 2010 and 103 in 2011.
It was also found that as of July, 90 Japanese couples have received a new diagnostic procedure that was introduced in February. The new method checks all sex chromosomes in a fertilized egg.
A Bangkok-based broker said more than 200 Japanese couples are expected to...