The board of directors of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology decided Saturday to expel the head of a Kobe maternity clinic that conducted genetic analysis of eggs fertilized through in vitro fertilization without the society's consent.
Earlier this month, Otani Women's Clinic head Tetsuo Otani confirmed that his clinic had conducted the controversial preimplantation diagnosis test on two women for sex selection purposes. He later apologized to the society.
In order to prevent the test from becoming widespread, in 1998 the society drew up stringent guidelines for its use, stating that it should only be applied to check for serious, incurable hereditary diseases.
Opponents say the test could become a screening process leading to eggs of the "wrong" sex, or those with disorders, being destroyed. Many others also point out that it could lead to eugenics and exacerbate discrimination against those with disabilities or genetic disorders.
The expulsion order will be formalized once it is approved at the society's general meeting, to be held in April, after Otani explains his position.
In Osaka on Saturday, Otani reiterated his belief that there is nothing wrong with sex selection.
"Preimplantation diagnosis is more humanitarian than abortion," he told a news conference, adding, "Amid rampant discussion on the problems of (Japan's) declining birthrate, it would benefit society if women who want many children can have babies of the sex they desire."
On the matter of his expulsion, Otani said it could not be helped because he knowingly violated the society's rules. He added that he would not perform further preimplantation genetic diagnosis until his expulsion is formalized.
However, when asked whether he would resume his activities after being removed from the society, he replied, "I will follow my conscience."
