Controversial test could spur abortions

A controversial new over-the-counter product – allowing expectant mothers to find out the gender of their unborn baby at just 10 weeks – has gone on sale in the UAE. Interestingly, despite being allowed to be distributed in the country, it is yet to be approved by the Ministry of Health.

IntelliGender is a urine-based test – similar to that of a home pregnancy kit – that apparently provides results in just eight minutes. It functions by measuring a combination of hormones in the urine that differ depending on the gender of the baby, and reacting to form either green (which indicates a boy) or orange (indicates a girl) coloured liquid. 

Scientifically, expectant parents are able to determine the sex of their unborn child at 16 weeks of pregnancy when a first ultrasound scan is carried out. However, according to the manufacturer and distributers of IntelliGender, this can be predicated as early 10 weeks after conception.

Dr. Lina Al Kouatly, Managing Director of Lunatus Marketing and Consultancy FZCO, a provider of healthcare products and services in the UAE, told Emirates Business: “IntelliGender is a novel test, offering expectant parents a fun and affordable pre-birth experience to share the joy of their discovery with their family and friends through a convenient and simple test from the comfort of their homes.

“It is now available in pharmacies as distribution is approved, but we are also seeking approval from the Ministry of Health so that we have taken all routes of approval.”

Emirates Business attempted to contact Dr Amin Al Amiri, Executive Director for Medical Practices and Licenses and Practices at the Ministry of Health. However Dr Al Amiri was unavailable due to being out of the country.

82 PER CENT ACCURACY

According to manufacturer, the gender predictor test boasts an 82 per cent accuracy rate.

However, this product, which has been available in the United States since 2007, could raise a few eyebrows in the region as some may say test findings could lead to a decision about whether to carry on with the pregnancy.

Abortion in the UAE is presently strictly prohibited unless it is to save the life of the mother, in accordance with Islamic law. However, the law is not so strict in some other countries around the region.

Interestingly, IntelliGender is reportedly banned in India and China – countries in close proximity to the UAE – but its availability here now makes it easier for people in those countries to obtain such a product.

TEMPTATION TO ABORT

At the time of launch in the US, Anthony Lauinger, vice president of National Right to Life, an American anti-abortion group expressed his concern to media: “There’s a problem that’s very prevalent in some countries where boy babies are greatly preferred for cultural reasons and aborting girl babies is very common.”

A prominent UAE-based gynaecologist based in Dubai Healthcare City, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Emirates Business: “It is absurd having such a product. Because there are many countries located near the UAE where baby boys are a priority due to carrying on the father’s name, getting a bigger amount of money in wills, having more rights…etc.

“Of course, you cannot stop people taking the test, but because it is so easy – you don’t even need to have a blood sample taken – it’s safe to say that some women may be tempted to or, worse, forced to abort.”

However, the makers of the test insist they “categorically disagree” with the idea their test may prompt an increase in sex-selection abortions.

In a recent interview with CNN, IntelliGender co-founder Rebecca Griffin said: “I can’t even fathom someone making a decision about whether to terminate a pregnancy based on a test informing them they may have a boy or a girl.

“The test was never meant to be a diagnostic tool. We don’t claim 100 per cent accuracy.”

Al Kouatly added: “This is not the reason for this test – and it is 82 per cent accurate – it is not 100 per cent. This test is not meant for couples to make a choice.”

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