A couple requests sex selection for their future child via artificial insemination. How should the physician respond?

A couple requests sex selection for their future child via artificial insemination. How should the physician respond?

• A. Encourage them to consider alternatives to sex selection.
• B. Remove personal judgments and support the couple's request.
• C. Deny and require consultation with another physician.
• D. Refuse due to ethical concerns and explain your stance.

Answer: (B)

Respecting patient autonomy and maintaining a nonjudgmental, supportive clinical relationship is the core idea. When a couple asks for sex selection, the physician should set aside personal judgments and support the couple’s decision, while ensuring they have clear, balanced information about what the procedure involves, potential risks, and any ethical, legal, or social implications. This approach preserves trust, honors the couple’s values, and facilitates informed decision-making rather than imposing the physician’s beliefs. The physician can discuss how sex selection might be performed, possible downsides, and alternatives, but should not let personal beliefs override the patient’s wishes. Other responses that dismiss autonomy or moralize about the request undermine the patient-physician relationship and are less appropriate.

Respecting patient autonomy and maintaining a nonjudgmental, supportive clinical relationship is the core idea. When a couple asks for sex selection, the physician should set aside personal judgments and support the couple’s decision, while ensuring they have clear, balanced information about what the procedure involves, potential risks, and any ethical, legal, or social implications. This approach preserves trust, honors the couple’s values, and facilitates informed decision-making rather than imposing the physician’s beliefs. The physician can discuss how sex selection might be performed, possible downsides, and alternatives, but should not let personal beliefs override the patient’s wishes. Other responses that dismiss autonomy or moralize about the request undermine the patient-physician relationship and are less appropriate.