PHA-Exchange> Sex selection alert

[Aviva]

From: "Mohan Rao" <mohanrao at bol.net.in>

From:      Center for Genetics and Society, and Human Genetics Alert
Subject:   Sex selection alert.

Dear Friends,
> >>
> >>We are writing to alert you to an important development in the effort
> >>against non-medical sex selection.
> >>
> >>  The United Kingdom's Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority
> >> (HFEA) recently announced a public consultation that covers all three
> >> types of sex selection: 1) pre-natal testing and termination of
> >> pregnancy, 2) pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and selection of
> >> embryos (PGD), and 3) sperm sorting the selection of sperm carrying
> >> either an X or Y chromosome.
> >>
> >>  The HFEA does not currently allow PGD for non-medical sex selection.
> >> However, some fertility clinics in the U.S. do offer this procedure,
and
> >> the HFEA s decision to include PGD in this consultation could indicate
a
> >> response to pressure from the fertility industry to lower its standards
> >> in line with those beginning to gain ground in the U.S.
> >>
> >>  No legislation in the UK or in the U.S. addresses sperm sorting. The
> >> technique is offered in the U.S.; and Human Genetics Alert and
> >> Alternative India Development (an NGO that has been fighting sex
> >> selection in India for 15 years) recently discovered that clinics in
the
> >> UK are marketing sperm sorting to Indian communities in the UK. The
HFEA
> >> is considering three options for sperm sorting: that it be banned, that
> >> it be allowed but regulated, or that it be allowed to continue without
> >> regulations.
> >>
> >>  Although far from perfect, the UK regulatory system is often regarded
> >> as a good model for regulation of reproductive technologies. Thus the
> >> results of the current consultation could set an important precedent.
> >>
> >>We know we don t have to convince you of the importance of these issues.
> >>Human Genetics Alert is appealing internationally for participation in
> >>its efforts against non-medical sex selection in the UK. We invite you
to
> >>take part by submitting a response to the HFEA consultation. Sex
> >>selection is a global issue, and it is very important that the HFEA be
> >>aware that there is international concern on this issue. Your views
> >>should be taken into account even though you may not be a UK citizen.
> >>
> >>
> >>Please visit Human Genetics Alert's web site at
> >><http://www.hgalert.org/whatsnew/>http://www.hgalert.org/whatsnew/ for
> >>more information on sex selection and the HFEA consultation. We have set
> >>up a form to allow people to email the HFEA with their views. (Or
contact
> >>the HFEA directly; their website is
<http://www.hfea.gov.uk/>www.hfea.gov.uk.)
> >>
> >>
> >>We would also appreciate any efforts you can make to publicize the
> >>existence of the HFEA consultation, and to urge your supporters to
> >>respond. Please feel free to circulate this message.
> >>
> >>
> >>Thank you,
> >>Tania Simoncelli and Marcy Darnovsky, Center for Genetics and Society
> >>
> >>David King, Human Genetics Alert