Addressing the idiosyncratic needs of Orthodox Jewish couples requesting sex selection by preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)

We report here on ethical considerations addressing the idiosyncratic needs of two Orthodox Jewish couples requesting sex selection through PGD. The patients’ considerations stem from generally healthy concerns, are not based on any gender biases and have little chance of having any major societal impact, given the idiosyncratic nature of the situation. Halakhah, the legal and ethical system of rabbinic Orthodox Judaism, generally opposes sex selection through PGD for nonmedical reasons, but would approve the procedure in these cases. Meeting these needs within the context of the doctor-patient relationship necessitates reconsidering to some extent the ASRM Ethics Committee guidelines.