Sandel begins by describing to the fertility clinic in the movie Gattaca. Four embryos have been screened for
genetic diseases and disorders, as well as conditions such as dyslexia and obesity. The couple hesitates to choose the sex of their
child, but the doctor strongly encourages them to make a decision. Sandel restates the ethical question at hand: How many audience
members think that nonmedical sex selection is acceptable, and how many find it objectionable?
Many audience members express their opposition to nonmedical sex selection. Some object to all and any selection; others
oppose the procedure for medical reasons, and many are uncomfortable with the potential skewing of sex ratios. The audience also
discusses conceptions of parenthood, ownership, and the consumption or commercialization of children. Sex selection, some argue, makes
the child into a product.
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