PGD Expert in India
Understanding PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) and the legal framework around sex selection in India
Sex selection is illegal in India. The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 strictly prohibits the use of any technology, including IVF and PGD, for the purpose of sex determination or sex selection in India. Violation of this law is a punishable offence.
PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) is an advanced genetic testing technique performed on embryos created through IVF before they are transferred to the uterus. During PGD, one or two cells are biopsied from the embryo at the blastocyst stage and tested for specific genetic disorders.
PGD can detect single-gene disorders such as Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and chromosomal abnormalities. It helps couples who are carriers of genetic diseases have healthy children.
While PGD technology can technically identify the sex of an embryo (since it analyzes chromosomes including X and Y), using PGD for sex selection is strictly illegal in India under the PCPNDT Act. This law was enacted to prevent the misuse of technology for sex-selective practices.
The only exception allowed under Indian law is when sex determination is medically necessary — for example, to avoid sex-linked genetic disorders like Hemophilia or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which predominantly affect males. Even in these cases, prior approval from appropriate authorities is required.
Testing embryos for Thalassemia, Sickle Cell, Cystic Fibrosis, and other inherited conditions
Detecting chromosomal abnormalities to improve IVF success rates and reduce miscarriage risk
Identifying chromosomally normal embryos for transfer in couples with repeated IVF failures
Screening for balanced translocations and other chromosomal issues causing pregnancy loss
Dr. Arun Muthuvel has experience in PGD cycles and completed specialised training in PGD IVF and embryo biopsy at Cleveland Clinic, USA. PGD is used for appropriate medical indications and not for non-medical sex selection in India.
If you have a family history of genetic disorders and are looking for PGD-IVF to have a healthy baby, consult Dr. Arun Muthuvel at Iswarya Fertility Centre, Chennai.
No. Sex selection is illegal in India. The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 prohibits using any technology, including IVF and PGD, to determine or select the sex of a baby, and violating the law is a punishable offence.
Technically, yes, because PGD analyses the embryo's chromosomes, including the X and Y chromosomes. In India, however, using PGD to choose a boy or a girl is strictly illegal under the PCPNDT Act.
The only exception is medical: when sex determination is needed to avoid a sex-linked genetic disorder such as Hemophilia or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which mainly affect males. Even then, prior approval from the appropriate authorities is required.
PGD is used for medical reasons: screening embryos for inherited conditions such as Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Disease and Cystic Fibrosis, detecting chromosomal abnormalities, and helping couples with recurrent IVF failure or recurrent miscarriage identify chromosomally normal embryos for transfer.
Couples who carry a genetic disease or have a family history of one, and couples with recurrent miscarriage or repeated IVF failure, can discuss PGD with a reproductive medicine specialist. Dr. Arun Muthuvel offers PGD-IVF for appropriate medical indications at Iswarya Fertility Centre, Chennai.
Consult Dr Arun Muthuvel, MS (OBGYN), MCh (Reproductive Medicine & Surgery), for personalised fertility and IVF care in Chennai.
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