Altrav,

Then, you'd think it OK to stab the baby with a knitting needle before it can breathe?

That would be abortion and not murder?

If anyone thinks abortion is ok, why would they have a problem with selective abortions based on sex of the baby? If it's wrong to kill based on the sex of the child, doesn't that imply there's something more there to protect and there's something wrong with abortion as a whole?

Abortion has its place in society; I'm particularly in favour of retrospective abortion.

ISSY,

WOW, steady on mate.
I would not agree to, or consider stabbing anything or anyone with a knitting needle or any other object, so if you don't mind, I'll respectfully refrain from engaging in such thoughts, language or activity.
If, on the other hand you were to ask if I would consider the termination of an unborn baby, the short answer is NO.
If you ask would I terminate a pregnancy of say something at or near inception, I would say yes.
I do not consider a chemical reaction to have feelings, or feel anything for that matter.
It will be some months before IT can be considered a "baby".
As was pointed out, the human "began" as a chemical reaction between a sperm and an egg.
BEGAN, not IS.
Your suggestion of using anything, let alone a knitting needle, to kill a new born baby is very distasteful, and I hope you were only trying to make your point more poignant by using such a cruel example.
I know nothing about abortion, but I would sincerely hope that it would be conducted in a most humane and sensitive manner.
I abhor those who have abortions for the wrong reasons, of which there are many, but I do understand there are circumstances whereby abortions are the only choice.
As far as sex selection goes, I think it is a foolish folly to play God.
Many years ago I wondered what could happen if the Chinese male population realised there were not enough women to go round, would these same men begin migrating to other countries with the specific intent to find a wife, and how would they do it, passively? or aggressively?
Just a thought.

Use your heads !
Nature arranged for slightly over half babies are male.
Less a small number of men killed in hunting or protecting the tribe
there is one man for every woman.
That ratio is not accidental, and it is done for the protection of children.
It is still very relevant in this day and age, perhaps even more so.

Bazz

Why?

Dan