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IVF couples may get to choose baby sex

Couples undergoing IVF may be allowed to choose the sex of their baby if plans put forward by a group of MPs come into affect.

A controversial Commons Science and Technology Committee report said more decisions on fertility treatment should be made by patients and their doctors.

It suggests that parents who need to 'balance' their family should be able to decide on whether to have a girl or a boy. Currently, the sex of a baby can only be chosen for medical reasons, for example in fatal sex-linked disorders such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy.

The Committee also looked at others areas surrounding fertility and called for the HFEA (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority) to be abolished in its current form, and replaced with a Regulatory Agency for Fertility and Tissues, to inspect clinics and laboratories and ensure they meet technical and management standards.

It also says there should be stronger professional regulation, and more government and Parliamentary consideration of ethical and legal issues.

The report also touched on the more controversial area of cloning suggesting that scientists should not shy away from difficult subjects which might be considered "taboo".

The report does not back reproductive cloning but does deal with research using animal/human "chimeras", where human cells are placed into animal foetuses.

This only happens in the laboratory and no living being is created in this way. The MPs say research in this area, and any other such controversial area of study, should not be outlawed without consideration, but should be evaluated to see if it should be permitted under regulation.

The report also called for Parliament to have a debate on the abortion law, criticised plans to remove sperm and egg donors' right to anonymity from next month, and a recommended the removal of the need to assess people who want to undergo IVF, under welfare of the child rules.

The report has caused a split on the Committee.

Five MPs - half of the committee - believe it goes too far and say it "ignores the dignity of human life".

They say it is "completely out of step with public opinion and any concept of ethics and dignity of human life."

Geraldine Smith, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said: "This is on par with a Frankenstein report. It is outrageous."

The organisation Comment on Reproductive Ethics called the MPs' suggestions "brave new world proposals" and said the UK public was not in favour of designer babies, social sex selection, animal-human hybrids or human reproductive cloning.

The HFEA said it was pleased the MPs recognised the need for an independent regulator.

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