Recently techniques have also been developed, which will not require preferential abortion but will allow preferential fertilization by male (carrying Y chromosome) or female (carrying X chromosome) determining sperms.

There are techniques available now, which allow separation of sperms carrying Y chromosomes, from the ejaculate of a man (through Ericson's method developed by R. Ericson of U.S.A.) to be used for insemination of ovulating women.

Techniques have also been developed to separate sperms carrying X chromosome for artificial insemination leading to the birth of female children. This technique involves 'sephadex gel column', in which sperms with Y" being lighter are trapped in gel and those with X being heavier reach the bottom of the column, and can be used for insemination.

The techniques permitting choice of sex of the baby have been condemned by many sociologists, who fear that this may disturb the sex ratio leading to a variety of problems; But some doctors argue that this will help couples in planning their families, since there are also couples who may like to have a female child. This may also allow selection against sex linked abnormalities in the children.