Some effects of being able to control sex of offspring.

The psychological effects and the effects on sex ratios and total births of a future capability of governing the sex of offspring are explored. The direct psychological effects of being able to control the sex of a child in line with preferences are considerable and almost wholly positive for both parents and children. For example the conception of children of an undesired sex is often damaging from a mental health standpoint. It is probable that ability to control sex of offspring would reduce birthrates although the magnitude and even the existence of this hypothesized relationship is highly conjectural because the prediction rests on numerous unquantified variables. A general desire for sons or daughters in a particular culture might promote a sharp imbalance in the sex ratio which would have many social and psychological consequences in the next generation. However a government determined to keep the overall sex ratio within some "healthy" predetermined limits could do so while permitting individual couples to have at least one child of each sex. Predictions of the reactions of religious political and other organizations to control over sex of children are impossible to make but they may be favorable in some instances.