Sex selection in India: Why a ban is not justified. Issue 3 (23rd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sterri, Aksel Braanen
• Is Part Of: Developing world bioethics. Volume 20:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 150
• Page End: 156
• Publication Date: 2019-10-23
• Subjects: sex selection -- India -- procreative autonomy -- consequentialism -- discrimination; Bioethics -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical ethics -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 174.2091724
• DOI: 10.1111/dewb.12250
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1471-8731

Abstract

Abstract: When widespread use of sex‐selective abortion and sex selection through assisted reproduction lead to severe harms to third parties and perpetuate discrimination, should these practices be banned? In this paper I focus on India and show why a common argument for a ban on sex selection fails even in these circumstances. I set aside a common objection to the argument, namely that women have a right to procreative autonomy that trumps the state's interest in protecting other parties from harm, and argue against the ban on consequentialist grounds. I perform a pairwise comparative analysis of sex selection and its plausible alternatives and argue that that the ban fails to improve the state of affairs relative to a scenario without a ban. The ban makes the situation worse, especially for mothers and their daughters. India should therefore repeal its ban on sex selection.