Ethical issues in new uses of preimplantation genetic diagnosis: Should parents be allowed to use preimplantation genetic diagnosis to choose the sexual orientation of their children?

Abstract

Extending the application of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to screen embryos for non-medical traits such as gender, height and intelligence, raises serious moral, legal, and social issues. In this paper I consider the possibility of using PGD to select the sexual orientation of offspring. After considering five potential objections, I conclude that parents should be permitted to use PGD to choose the sexual orientation of their children.