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Fertility Glossary

Sex selection

Choosing an embryo's sex, which is restricted in Australia.

Regulation

Selecting the sex of an embryo for non-medical reasons is not permitted under the NHMRC ethical guidelines in Australia. It is allowed only to avoid a serious sex-linked genetic condition. Overseas services advertising sex selection to Australians operate outside this framework.

Also known as: gender selection, family balancing

Sources

  • NHMRC Ethical guidelines on the use of assisted reproductive technology in clinical practice and research (nhmrc.gov.au)

Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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