Case study 2

Phil and Sian have four daughters, but they wish to have a fifth child and would really like to have a son. To
ensure their next child is a boy they wish to undergo genetic selection treatment.

Doctors can now check using PGD whether an embryo produced by IVF is a boy or a girl depending on whether
it contains an XX or XY pair of chromosomes and then implant the chosen embryo into Sian. There is no
medical reason for the couple to have a male child but they both strongly believe a boy is needed to complete
their family and to carry on their family name.


Your thoughts:



Would you allow Phil and Sian to have the treatment? What is the reason for your choice?