What is sex selection?
Sex selection is where your clinic uses a process called pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT) to choose embryos that are genetically male or female for you to use to have a child of that sex.
When is sex selection allowed?
There are only two situations where sex selection is legally permitted in Victoria. The first is where sex selection would avoid the transmission of a serious genetic condition to a child and the second is if the Panel has approved it.
Clinics in Australia are not allowed to perform sex selection for non-medical reasons, such as wanting to have a girl or a boy for social or cultural reasons.
What is the Panel's role?
The Panel has to determine whether it would be appropriate to approve sex selection in your case. Amongst other things, to do this the Panel needs to understand the nature of the genetic condition in question, its impact on your family and what the experts say about sex selection in relation to this condition; for example, how much the risk of transmission would be reduced through sex selection.
How do I apply?
Complete the application form below and email it to prp@health.vic.gov.au.
The Panel finds it useful if you include copies of the following documents with your application:
- A letter from your clinic, a genetic counsellor or a clinical geneticist explaining why sex selection is appropriate.
- An official letter or report that confirms diagnosis of the genetic condition.
- Any additional information you have about the family history of the genetic condition.
- Copies of the results of any genetic testing you or your family have had for the genetic condition.
Where can I get more information?
More detailed information about sex selection in Victoria and how to apply to the Patient Review Panel can be found in the below guidance note:
Updated