There were many different reasons behind the selection of the case study, preimplantation genetic diagnosis for selecting gender through non-medical reasons. The main topic of preimplantation genetic diagnosis can be a little controversial when selecting embryos in order to prevent diseases from being inherited to a child. However, the case study of choosing gender that is not related to preventing diseases is much more controversial (and according to some, unnecessary). It's much easier to understand the mindset of each opinion when faced with the issue of choosing embryos based on their absence of disease, but the issue becomes much more complex when the "disease" portion disappears. New points that are constantly brought up, such as gender stereotypes, freedom of choice, and if embryos are living. Due to how intricate the topic is, it is much more interesting to study and analyze arguments in this case study.
I learned about the significance of new scientific advancements and the new pathways that it can lead to. Though the technology to distinguish a "girl" embryo from a "boy" one is relatively modern, new roads can open up due to scientific innovation. Some of these new PGD processes in the future would be choosing an embryo based on eye color, hair color, height, and other traits. Every scientific invention leads to different inventions; they are not independent. Also, issues are frequently entangled with one's belief systems and not just scientific aspects. For example, a person who might use PGD technology to choose a girl would probably believe the gender stereotype that girls wear pink, have long hair, and want a perfect child that resembles that stereotype. On the other hand, a person against PGD is possibly religious, as some say the technology is "playing God" and not allowing nature to take its course normally, interfering with universal processes.
Making a decision was extremely difficult for this case study, since both sides had impressive arguments that made sense. I felt that embryos are living beings, and the destruction of them based on something as gender seemed wrong. However, I didn't want to diminish the choice of parents, who might not have a girl/boy without PGD. Focusing more on the scientific portion than pure opinion helped greatly to make my decision against PGD for sex selection. Though I agree with some values and ideas that supporters present, known knowledge about human embryos draws me away from their other ideals and opinions.