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Is it permissible to determine the sex of the fetus during the IVF process, knowing that this is currently possible, and given the difficulty and impact of pregnancy and childbirth?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

It is not permissible to procreate through intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) except when there is a valid need, such as the inability of the woman to conceive except by this method. This is based on the resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Academy, which considers the spouses' need for a child a legitimate purpose that permits treatment through permissible means. However, merely desiring to determine the sex of the baby does not permit this procedure.

Therefore, if the questioner cannot conceive except by this method, it is permissible for her to undergo it, and she may then choose the sex of the baby. But if she can conceive without it, and her desire for it is limited to choosing the sex of the baby, then it is not permissible for her to do so.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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