Regulating non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal sex determination.

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  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: Oxford University Press Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9308945 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1464-3790 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 09670742 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Med Law Rev Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: 1999- : Oxford : Oxford University Press
      Original Publication: Oxford : Published by Oxford University Press in association with the Centre of Medical Law and Ethics, King's College London, c1993-
    • Subject Terms:
      Genetic Testing* ; Prenatal Diagnosis*/methods; Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Australia ; Parents ; Prospective Studies
    • Abstract:
      Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) can be used to determine the chromosomal sex of the fetus at an early stage in a pregnancy. The use of NIPT for fetal sex determination raises concerns about potential selective termination of pregnancy by prospective parents who desire a child of a particular sex. Although sex selection for medical reasons is generally accepted, non-medical sex selection (NMSS) has been the subject of considerable controversy. In this article, we explore the current regulatory landscape around reproductive genetic testing techniques that may lead to NMSS, both internationally and within Australia. Specifically, we contrast the approach to regulating preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) with the minimal regulation of NIPT in Australia as a case study for reform. We examine ethical concerns raised in relation to NMSS, which form the basis of the current moratorium on the use of PGT for NMSS. We then highlight some key differences between using PGT for NMSS and NIPT for fetal sex determination to determine whether access to the latter should be regulated and, if so, how. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence to restrict access to NIPT for fetal sex determination and, based on our Australian case study, recommend a facilitative approach to regulating NIPT that would support individuals to make informed reproductive decisions.
      (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press.)
    • Grant Information:
      ES/T00908X/1 UK Economic and Social Research Council; LP190100841 Australian Research Council Linkage Project Scheme
    • Contributed Indexing:
      Keywords: Fetal sex determination; Non-invasive prenatal testing; Pregnancy; Preimplantation genetic diagnosis; Reproductive autonomy; Sex selection
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 20230527 Date Completed: 20231205 Latest Revision: 20231205
    • Publication Date:
      20240829
    • Accession Number:
      PMC10681358
    • Accession Number:
      10.1093/medlaw/fwad014
    • Accession Number:
      37244651