In recent years, an increasing number of Swedish couples have travelled to Northern Cyprus for a controversial reason: to choose the gender of their future child before conception. While gender selection through IVF is strictly prohibited in Sweden, it is legal in several countries, including Northern Cyprus, where a combination of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows parents to determine the sex of their baby before implantation.
This growing trend has sparked intense debate, with some viewing it as an ethical dilemma, while others see it as a matter of personal choice. Anne Lichtenstein, a Swedish woman who travelled to Northern Cyprus with her husband to conceive a daughter, admits that her decision was fraught with emotional conflict.
“I had always dreamed of having a large family with children of both sexes,” Anne reflects. “When I had my second child, I believed it was going to be a girl, and I couldn’t shake the fear of not having a daughter. I felt ashamed for feeling that way, like it was taboo. You’re supposed to be grateful for any child you can have.”
After two sons and several miscarriages, Anne and her husband opted for IVF treatment, hoping for a daughter. But their decision wasn’t made lightly. The process involved genetic testing to select an embryo of the desired sex, a costly procedure that can range from SEK 60,000 upwards.
“I love my sons deeply,” Anne adds, “but there was a lingering feeling that something was missing. I couldn’t help but want a daughter, and I felt like I had to go to extreme lengths to make that happen.”
The Role of PGD in Gender Selection
PGD, or Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, is at the heart of this procedure. A relatively advanced technique in the realm of reproductive medicine, PGD allows doctors to test embryos for specific genetic traits before they are implanted in the mother’s womb. This process can determine the sex of the embryo, as well as screen for certain genetic disorders.
In Sweden, the use of PGD for gender selection is strictly forbidden, except in cases where a parent carries a genetic condition that is passed down through a specific sex. However, in Northern Cyprus and other countries, it is legal to use PGD for elective gender selection.
Sara Ahkavan, a Swedish coordinator who works closely with IVF clinics in Northern Cyprus, has witnessed a significant rise in Swedish patients seeking gender selection. “The number of Swedish couples coming to Northern Cyprus for this kind of treatment has increased drastically over time,” she notes.
A Growing Desire for Daughters
While many countries, such as China and India, have seen a cultural preference for sons that has led to significant gender imbalances, the situation in Sweden is somewhat different. Gunnar Andersson, a professor of demography at Stockholm University, has researched gender preferences in Nordic countries and found an interesting trend. Contrary to what one might expect in a gender-equal society, Swedish parents have begun to express a stronger preference for daughters.
“From the 1980s onwards, we have observed a growing desire for daughters in Sweden,” says Andersson. His studies, conducted in 2008 and again in 2018, revealed that many Swedish parents, as well as those in Denmark and Norway, showed a distinct preference for having female children.
“This trend is quite clear and consistent, which is fascinating,” Andersson adds. “Even in highly democratic and gender-equal societies, gender preferences do exist.”
The Ethical Debate
The practice of gender selection raises ethical questions about whether parents should have the right to determine their child’s sex. Critics argue that it opens the door to potential misuse, such as reinforcing gender stereotypes or perpetuating societal imbalances. In countries with skewed gender ratios, such as China and India, gender selection has been linked to social issues, including the devaluation of girls.
In Sweden, the government’s stance on gender selection remains firm. Sex selection via PGD is banned, and the law is not expected to change anytime soon. Yet, the demand for gender-specific IVF treatment continues to grow, with couples increasingly willing to travel abroad for a chance to fulfil their desires.
For Anne Lichtenstein, the decision to choose the sex of her child was not about reinforcing gender stereotypes but fulfilling a deeply personal wish. “It wasn’t about rejecting my sons or wanting to play favourites,” she explains. “It was just about wanting something different for our family.”
As the trend continues, the debate surrounding gender selection is likely to intensify, particularly as technology advances and the demand for these services grows.
A Global Shift in Family Planning
What’s clear is that reproductive technologies are rapidly evolving, and with that comes a new set of possibilities for how families can shape their futures. Whether one agrees or disagrees with gender selection, it’s undeniable that these technological advancements are reshaping the way people approach family planning.
In Northern Cyprus, where the practice remains legal, couples like Anne Lichtenstein are finding hope and even healing through these methods. But with increasing numbers of Swedish couples flocking to clinics abroad, the question remains: Should we be allowed to choose the sex of our children, or is this an ethical boundary that should not be crossed?