Supermodel Chrissy Teigen has been extremely open about her fertility struggles and going through In Vitro Fertilization to conceive her first child with musician John Legend. But the mom-to-be faced some major backlash via Twitter after she told People she chose the sex of her baby. “I’ve made this decision. Not only am I having a girl, but I picked the girl from her little embryo. I picked her and was like, ‘Let’s put in the girl.’”
Happy Valentine’s Day, my babies
A photo posted by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on
During IVF, Teigen was able to do a pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). That’s where cells are removed from the embryo before implantation into the uterus, to look at the chromosomes. This test is typically done to screen for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic defects, but will also be able to identify the gender of the embryo.
you’d be surprised at how many people you know go through this. also every doctor knows the sex of the embryos, it isn’t some grand secret.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 25, 2016
Teigen went on to explain why wanted a girl, “I think I was most excited and allured by the fact that John would be the best father to a little girl. That excited me… I think he deserves a little girl. I think he deserves that bond. A boy will come along. We’ll get there too, so it’s not like we really have to pick. But he definitely is very lucky to have a little girl. And this girl is going to be so completely lucky to have John as her papa — it’s crazy!” Teigen and Legend decided to freeze the embryos that weren’t implanted for potential use in the future.
we didn’t create a little girl. we had multiple embryos. girls and boys. we simply chose to put in a female first (and second)…
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 25, 2016
While many people supported and applauded Teigen’s openness, others took to Twitter to attack her.
I truly, truly understand not agreeing with what we have done. I just don’t understand the need to be so vile and mean about it.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 25, 2016
What year is this!? And for the record, I am always happy and open to speak on infertility. The more casual, the better! I don’t mind.
— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) February 24, 2016
It’s not a surprise that gender selection – as well as the use of fertility treatments remains controversial. The negative reaction brought on by Teigen’s openness only confirms why many people prefer to keep their fertility struggles a secret and breeds feelings of shame and isolation.
We’d love to hear your thoughts about gender selection.
