Choosing the gender of a baby, often called family balancing, involves advanced reproductive technologies to select the sex of an embryo or sperm before conception. Understanding the financial investment required is a primary consideration for prospective parents. This article outlines the costs associated with gender selection.
Methods for Gender Selection
The most precise method for gender selection involves Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). PGT-A screens for chromosomal abnormalities, including sex chromosomes, allowing identification of an embryo’s sex before transfer. IVF is a prerequisite for PGT, as it creates embryos in a laboratory from retrieved eggs and sperm.
Sperm sorting (MicroSort) is another technique that separates sperm carrying X (female) or Y (male) chromosomes based on their DNA content. This method is typically used before artificial insemination (IUI) or IVF. MicroSort technology has shown success rates of approximately 93% for selecting female sperm and 82% for male sperm. However, MicroSort is not currently approved by the FDA in the United States for gender selection and is largely unavailable for clinical use.
Core Costs of Each Procedure
The financial commitment for gender selection primarily revolves around an IVF cycle, as PGT is an add-on. A standard IVF cycle in the U.S. typically costs $12,000 to $18,000. This base fee usually covers doctor’s visits, ultrasound monitoring, egg retrieval, and laboratory procedures for fertilization.
Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) for gender identification adds $4,000 to $7,500 per cycle. Some clinics may charge per embryo or per batch. When combining IVF with PGT, the estimated total cost for a single cycle in the U.S. commonly falls between $18,000 and $30,000. If sperm sorting (MicroSort) were available, it would generally be less expensive than IVF with PGT, but its limited availability and lower accuracy make it a less common choice for gender selection.
Variables Affecting Overall Price
Several factors can increase the total expenditure beyond core procedure costs. Fertility medications for ovarian stimulation during IVF are a significant additional expense, often $3,000 to $8,000 per cycle. These medications are frequently not included in initial clinic fees.
Multiple IVF cycles can escalate costs, as success is not guaranteed in a single attempt. Clinic fees and pricing vary widely based on reputation, success rates, and geographical location, with major metropolitan areas often having higher costs. Freezing and long-term storage of unused embryos incur separate costs, typically $500 to $1,200 initially, with annual storage fees of $500 to $1,000. Additional expenses include:
- Initial consultations
- Diagnostic tests
- Follow-up appointments
- Genetic counseling
Navigating Financial Aspects
Gender selection is an elective procedure and is generally not covered by health insurance. While some insurance plans might offer coverage for IVF if used for infertility, the specific component of gender selection will not be included. Most costs associated with choosing a baby’s gender are typically paid out-of-pocket.
To manage the financial commitment, some fertility clinics offer in-house financing plans or partner with medical loan providers. Individuals may also consider personal loans. Obtain a detailed breakdown of all potential costs from the chosen clinic, differentiating between bundled packages and itemized fees. Budgeting for multiple cycles and unforeseen expenses is a prudent approach when pursuing gender selection.