From HAZEL CHESTERMAN-PHILLIPS
‘Let’s not panic until there is some evidence.’ Thus Bernadette Modell of
University College Hospital in London reacts reassuringly to the plethora of
worries voiced in ‘The hidden cost of sex selection’ (1 May).
My experience supports Modell’s view. Thirty years of research into a
natural ‘traditional’ method of sex selection with a high success rate, and
thousands of letters from all over the world confirming it, lead me to agree
that preference for girls or boys would be perfectly balanced if all women
had the opportunity to choose the sex of their offspring.
Although preferring the element of surprise in their first-born, nearly all
women want and expect the full experience of motherhood which entails the
bearing and rearing of children of both sexes. They are frustrated and
offended by the indignity of not being able, with their own bodies, to
produce what they want. This discomfiture gives way to despair in societies
where antiquated systems of male heirship and female dowries still hold. The
final degradation strikes when a woman is blamed for a situation which is
often the man’s responsibility, owing to his sperm count.
I applaud the work of any organisation or individual that is trying to
change such societies. But many women cannot wait for such fundamental
change. They need help now. And sex selection is the way to give it.
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I allow that, when sex selection becomes widespread, there will probably be
an initial world-wide swing towards boys because of present values. But
when, as is already reported from China, problems arise from the dearth of
women, that must be the first warning sign. When females become really
scarce, their value will increase. It will become apparent that, in a world
made up of two interdependent sexes, neither can do without the other in
equal proportions for the good of all.
Hazel Chesterman-Phillips
London
