PDF(Pubmed)
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.
摘要：
非侵入性产前检测（NIPT）可用于确定妊娠早期胎儿的染色体性别。使用NIPT进行胎儿性别确定引起了人们对希望获得特定性别孩子的准父母可能选择性终止妊娠的担忧。尽管出于医学原因的性别选择被普遍接受，非医学性别选择(NMSS)一直是相当有争议的话题。在这篇文章中,我们探索了当前围绕生殖基因检测技术的监管格局，这些技术可能导致NMSS，在国际和澳大利亚。具体来说,作为改革的案例研究,我们将澳大利亚对胚胎植入前基因检测(PGT)的监管方法与对NIPT的最低监管进行了对比.我们研究了与NMSS有关的伦理问题，这构成了当前暂停将PGT用于NMSS的基础。然后，我们强调使用PGT进行NMSS和NIPT进行胎儿性别确定之间的一些关键差异，以确定是否应调节对后者的访问，如果是,how.我们得出的结论是，没有足够的证据来限制使用NIPT进行胎儿性别确定，根据我们的澳大利亚案例研究，建议采用一种便利的方法来规范NIPT，以支持个人做出明智的生殖决定。
