Journal article

Publication year: 2009

Pages: 1665-1669

Journal: Human Reproduction

Volume number: 24

Issue number: 7

ISSN: 0268-1161

eISSN: 1460-2350

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dep080

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract: 

Preconception sex selection for non-medical reasons is a controversial issue in bioethics. Little research has described preferences for preconception sex selection among Arab populations. This study describes the sex preference and interest in employing sex selection techniques among pregnant women in northern Jordan.

A self-reported questionnaire was administered to 600 pregnant women in Irbid, Jordan. chi(2) test and binary logistic regression were used to examine the factors associated with interest in preconception sex selection.

In general, the interest in using sex selection was low. Women who preferred boys were more likely to be interested in sex selection, if paid for by the couple [odds ratio (OR) = 4.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75-11.11] or by health insurance (OR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.94-6.06), or, if feasible, administered through oral medication (OR = 8.84, 95% CI: 5.05-15.63). Women with lower education were more likely to be interested in sex selection, if paid by health insurance (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.10-3.45) and were more likely to believe that sex selection is legal (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.06-2.86). Women who had no boys were more likely to be interested in sex selection, if paid by health insurance (OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.10-3.42) or, if feasible, through medication (OR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.82-5.00).

The majority of participants were not in favor of using preconception sex selection. Those with a preference to have boys, with lower education, and those with an imbalanced family were more likely to be interested in using sex selection technology.

Harvard Citation style: Al-Akour, N., Khassawneh, M., Khader, Y. and Dahl, E. (2009) Sex preference and interest in preconception sex selection: a survey among pregnant women in the north of Jordan, Human Reproduction, 24(7), pp. 1665-1669. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dep080

APA Citation style: Al-Akour, N., Khassawneh, M., Khader, Y., & Dahl, E. (2009). Sex preference and interest in preconception sex selection: a survey among pregnant women in the north of Jordan. Human Reproduction. 24(7), 1665-1669. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dep080