PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS AND SEX SELECTION IN 19 NATIONS

As part of a study of ethics and human genetics in 19 nations, we surv eyed attitudes of 71 medical geneticists in 4 developing nations (Braz il, Greece, India and Turkey), and 611 geneticists in,15 developed nat ions, using anonymous questionnaires. Overall, 52% in India, 30% in Br azil, 29% in Greece, and 20% in Turkey would perform prenatal diagnosi s to select a male fetus for a couple with 4 daughters and no sons. Se x selection is the major use of prenatal diagnosis in India. The major ity in the U.S.A. (62%) and Hungary (60%) would also do sex selection or refer. We discuss possible means of preventing sex selection while avoiding medical paternalism and promoting the autonomy of women.