Blaming women for a baby’s sex is scientifically and socially wrong

In many parts of the world, intense pressure to have a child of a specific sex can create emotional and social turmoil, often placing an unfair burden on women.

This persistent desire to have a son or daughter leads to significant stress and misunderstandings. Let’s explore how this phenomenon plays out and its broader implications.

The science behind sex determination

The process of determining the sex of a baby is purely biological. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair that determines whether the baby will be a boy or a girl.

Women contribute an X chromosome through their egg, while men contribute either an X or Y chromosome through their sperm.

If the sperm carries an X chromosome, the baby will be a girl (XX); if it carries a Y chromosome, the baby will be a boy (XY).

This means that it is the father’s sperm, not the mother’s egg, that determines the sex of the baby. Despite this scientific evidence, many people still mistakenly believe that a woman can influence the sex of her child through her actions or choices.

The pressure to produce a specific genre

In some cultures, the pressure to have a child of a specific gender can be overwhelming. Couples often seek advice from doctors on how to tip the balance, leading women to undergo multiple pregnancies in the hopes of having the desired gender.

This relentless quest not only puts their health at risk, but also highlights the immense pressure they are under. Women may end up in clinics, desperate for advice or techniques, and some may even face health complications due to repeated pregnancies.

The constant pursuit of a specific gender can have serious emotional and psychological consequences on women. When a woman’s efforts fail to achieve her “preferred” gender, she may experience feelings of inadequacy and stress.

Stigma and ridicule from society only add to this burden. The emotional strain, coupled with the physical risks of multiple pregnancies, takes a heavy toll on women’s mental and physical well-being.

The pressure of having a child of a specific gender can also put a strain on relationships and family dynamics.

In some cases, men may seek other partners or have children outside of marriage to satisfy their desire for a particular gender.

This behavior can cause significant emotional distress in their current partner, causing feelings of betrayal and affecting family harmony.

Such actions often increase the emotional and mental strain on everyone involved.

Debunking the myths surrounding sex selection

There are many myths about how to influence the sex of a baby, such as timing of intercourse or following specific diets, circulating widely.

However, scientific evidence does not support these claims. While some suggest that certain factors may slightly influence the chances of conceiving a boy or a girl, research shows that no natural method can guarantee the sex of the baby.

Understanding these myths can help dispel misconceptions and reduce unfair guilt toward women.

Ethical considerations and social impact

Medical interventions such as preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) combined with in vitro fertilization (IVF) can select the sex of an embryo before implantation.

However, these methods are mainly used to prevent sex-linked genetic disorders rather than gender preference.

The creation and disposal of embryos based on gender preferences, as well as selective abortions, raise ethical concerns and reinforce harmful prejudices, contributing to gender inequality and impacting societal attitudes towards women and children.

Changing the narrative

Changing these harmful dynamics requires education and compassion. By raising awareness about the true nature of sex determination and challenging outdated gender biases, we can reduce the pressure on women and its consequences.

Promoting gender equality and celebrating every child, regardless of gender, is essential to changing perceptions and alleviating excessive stress on women.

Blaming women for not meeting gender expectations is not only scientifically unfounded, it is also deeply unfair. Understanding the biology of sex determination and addressing social pressures can help create a more equitable and supportive environment.

It is time to move beyond outdated beliefs and recognize each child as a unique and precious individual. Ultimately, what really matters is the health and well-being of both mother and child, whether the baby is a boy or a girl.

It is time for societies to move beyond outdated beliefs and recognize that every child, regardless of gender, is a blessing. Adopting this perspective will not only alleviate the excessive stress women experience, but also foster a more inclusive and compassionate society for all families.

The author is Dr Joan Okemo, a consultant obstetrician-gynecologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi.

The opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not in any way represent the position of TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke