Non-Medical Sex Selection in Australia: Public Views and Bioethical Concerns

Abstract

In 2017, following an extensive review of its ethical guidelines on assisted reproductive technology (ART), the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) upheld its moratorium on non-medical sex selection (NMSS) pending further public debate. Interestingly, the public consultation conducted by the NHMRC revealed a majority of submissions supported a permissive approach to NMSS, suggesting a potential shift in attitudes about NMSS in Australia. Historically, public consultation on NMSS both internationally and in Australia has revealed general opposition to this practice. This has reinforced concerns raised against NMSS in bioethical debates and been reflected in a restrictive regulatory approach to NMSS in many countries. The NHMRC public consultation highlights a potential disconnect between the concerns raised about NMSS in scholarly literature and more liberal community views. This paper reviews the submissions made to the NHMRC on NMSS and argues that the current moratorium should be revisited with a view to exploring a more nuanced approach to regulating NMSS in the future.