Can You Choose Your Baby's Gender Through IVF? Myths vs Reality
IVF with preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) can reveal the chromosomal sex of an embryo before transfer, but Indian law prohibits sex selection through assisted reproductive technology. The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021 specifically prohibits clinics from offering a child of a predetermined sex and restricts identifying the sex of an embryo except when it is needed to diagnose, prevent, or treat a sex-linked disorder or disease.
To get accurate, doctor-verified information, we reached out to Dr Gauri Agarwal, Founder, Seeds of Innocence IVF, HomeIVF, and Genestring Labs.
How Does Gender Selection Work in IVF?During IVF, eggs are collected and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos may develop for several days before a small sample of cells is taken for genetic testing.
Depending on the type of PGT, the testing can look for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities, but the results can also reveal each embryo’s sex, even when sex selection was not the reason for testing.
PGT vs Sperm Sorting: Which Is More Accurate?PGT accuracy refers to identifying an embryo’s sex. Sperm sorting figures refer to the share of sorted sperm carrying the chosen chromosome; the chance of a baby of that sex can differ. Both methods are used in other countries. In India, the ART Act, 2021 prohibits both sex selection and separating X and Y sperm for this purpose.
Is Gender Selection Through IVF Legal in India?No. Sex selection is prohibited in India, including selection involving embryos created through IVF.
Two laws apply:
Only for medical reasons. If a family carries a serious X-linked condition, such as haemophilia or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, doctors may test embryos to prevent it.
Some inherited disorders are sex-linked, meaning the risk of developing or transmitting the condition can differ according to whether the embryo has XX or XY chromosomes. In such circumstances, genetic testing may be considered to identify embryos at risk of a particular disorder.
Indian ART legislation permits embryo sex identification in the context of diagnosing, preventing, or treating a sex-linked disorder or disease.
Myths vs Reality: IVF and Baby Gender
IVF and PGT can provide important genetic information about embryos, but in India, choosing a baby's sex for non-medical reasons is not a permitted use of reproductive technology.
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FAQs on Can You Choose Your Baby’s Gender Through IVF? Myths vs RealityHow accurate is IVF gender selection?
PGT identifies embryo sex with over 98% accuracy. Sperm sorting is less reliable. Neither guarantees a pregnancy or live birth. Can diet or sexual position decide a baby’s gender?
No. Studies have not shown that diet, timing, or position changes the baby’s sex.
To get accurate, doctor-verified information, we reached out to Dr Gauri Agarwal, Founder, Seeds of Innocence IVF, HomeIVF, and Genestring Labs.
Depending on the type of PGT, the testing can look for specific genetic conditions or chromosomal abnormalities, but the results can also reveal each embryo’s sex, even when sex selection was not the reason for testing.
PGT vs Sperm Sorting: Which Is More Accurate?PGT accuracy refers to identifying an embryo’s sex. Sperm sorting figures refer to the share of sorted sperm carrying the chosen chromosome; the chance of a baby of that sex can differ. Both methods are used in other countries. In India, the ART Act, 2021 prohibits both sex selection and separating X and Y sperm for this purpose.
| Method | How it works | Reported accuracy | Cost and testing |
| PGT with IVF | Tests embryos before transfer | Over 98% of embryos’ sex correctly identified | Costs more than standard IVF; needs embryo testing |
| Sperm sorting (MicroSort, Ericsson method) | Separates X and Y sperm before fertilisation | About 88% of sorted sperm carry the X chromosome, and about 74% carry the Y chromosome | Cheaper; does not need embryo testing |
Two laws apply:
- The PCPNDT(Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Act, 1994 bans sex selection before and after conception, and prenatal sex determination.
- The ART (Regulation) Act, 2021 came into force on 25 January 2022. It bars ART clinics from offering a child of a predetermined sex. Clinics and banks also cannot advertise sex-selective ART.
When Is Embryo Sex Testing Allowed in India?
Some inherited disorders are sex-linked, meaning the risk of developing or transmitting the condition can differ according to whether the embryo has XX or XY chromosomes. In such circumstances, genetic testing may be considered to identify embryos at risk of a particular disorder.
Indian ART legislation permits embryo sex identification in the context of diagnosing, preventing, or treating a sex-linked disorder or disease.
Myths vs Reality: IVF and Baby Gender
| Feature | Myth | Reality |
| Diet | Eating certain foods, such as salty or sweet items, can decide a baby’s sex. | Diet does not change which sperm fertilises the egg. |
| Timing of intercourse | Timing intercourse, as in the Shettles method, can give a boy or a girl. | Good-quality studies have not confirmed the method. |
| Sexual positions | Certain sexual positions favour an X or Y sperm. | Position does not alter whether an X or Y sperm reaches the egg first. |
| Belly shape and heart rate | Belly shape or a fast foetal heartbeat shows the baby’s sex. | Carrying high or low, or the heart rate, does not predict sex. |
| Herbal remedies and medicines | Herbal remedies and “gender-selection” medicines can change the baby’s sex. | These are unproven, and some are sold illegally in India. |
| IVF outcome | IVF guarantees a baby of the sex you want. | IVF does not guarantee a baby of a chosen sex. In India, it does not legally allow parents to choose sex for personal preference. |
| Purpose of PGT | PGT is done to determine the gender | PGT is primarily used to identify certain genetic or chromosomal abnormalities. |
| Embryo selection | If embryo sex can be identified, parents can choose that embryo. | In India, selecting an embryo to obtain a predetermined sex is prohibited, except for permitted medical purposes involving sex-linked disorders. |
| Legality with infertility treatment | Sex selection is legal if the parents are undergoing IVF for infertility. | The reason for undergoing IVF does not make non-medical sex selection legal. |
You’re not alone in your journey when trying to conceive. Join our supportive community to connect with others, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.
FAQs on Can You Choose Your Baby’s Gender Through IVF? Myths vs Reality
PGT identifies embryo sex with over 98% accuracy. Sperm sorting is less reliable. Neither guarantees a pregnancy or live birth.
No. Studies have not shown that diet, timing, or position changes the baby’s sex.
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