Research Question:Should reproductive technology be used for gender selection purposes?

Shekar, Preeti. "Reproductive Racism." OCT 2007: 23-24.SIRS Researcher. SIRS
Knowledge Source . Edina High School. 7 Dec 2008
http://www.sirs.com/.

Preeti Shekar is an Indian feminist activist and journalist who is very familiar with issues concerning reproductive technology and genetic engineering. In her article “Reproductive Racism”, Shekar analyzes the growing popularity of gender selection for many sexist societies, for example South Asian societies. In such societies, immense pressure is pressed on women to produce male heirs. Because of this pressure, women are trying to take advantage of the gender specifying technology provided by the United States to satisfy their husbands and in-laws. Shekar aknowledges the technology as an advancement and better alternative for abortion, but also argues that it justifies sexism and an imbalance in nature. Shekar is in agreement with many other women and feminists who oppose gender selection. Shekari and other opponents to gender selection present the negative aspects of using this new life-changing technology and the horrors it could bring to the human race.

Callahan, Marion. "Is Gender Selection Too Much Family Planning?." The Morning Call (MCT) Jun 2008
SIRS Researcher. SIRS Knowledge Source . Edina High School. 7 Dec 2008
http://www.sirs.com/.
Marion Callahan is a writer journalist for The Morning Call in Allenton, PA. In her article regarding gender selection, “Is Gender Selection Too Much Family Planning?”, she presents both sides of the ethics behind using reproductive technology. The negative side argues religion and fate as well as the mechanizing of family. The affirmative, however, argues that it is a choice completely dependent upon the patient. A plus is also that most families who use this procedure do it out of love, not for financial or materialistic reasons. Most famillies want to experiance the raising of both genders. Overall, the article supports the issue of using reproductive technology for gender selection, viewing it as “family balance”. Callahan’s support for gender selection clashes with that of Shekar. Both sides argue the ethics behind this new technology and argue so fairly. PGD, Pre-Implantaion Genetic Diagnosis could have a disasterous outcome yet it might indeed balance famillies and promote peace and happiness for families as well.