Abstract: Concerns about the ethics of selecting the sex of a child predate current techniques of prenatal genetic diagnosis (PGD) and sperm sorting. The only methods previously available were highly problematic, as they involved infanticide or abortion of an unwanted sex. There are less problematic methods than the earlier methods now available. There is increasing acceptance of family balancing as a reason for sex selection, but some people remain opposed to broadening the indications for sex selection of offspring beyond family balancing. Nevertheless, parents may have good reasons other than family balancing for choosing the sex of a future child. The global efforts to restrict sex-selective abortion and gender identification technology do not appear to be working. Son preference still exists in many parts of the world. The UN Statement suggested practical common sense solutions, such as increasing educational opportunities for girls. Unfortunately, effecting such policies is much more difficult than so-called legislative “fixes.” Until son preference is combated, the legislative efforts to stop sex selection will not be effective and may end up hurting females rather than helping them. This paper examines the legal cases of sex selection in Nigeria, with much emphasis on its methods and effects on family balancing. The paper however derives it strength from both primary and secondary materials.
Keywords: sex selection, family balancing, gender identification technology, prenatal genetic diagnosis (PGD).
Title: SEX SELECTION FOR FAMILY BALANCING IN NIGERIA: CASES, METHODS AND EFFECTS
Author: OSADOLA Ifedapo Oluwakemisola
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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