Every family has a story. For some, the wish to welcome a son or a daughter isn’t about preference—it’s about balance, healing, or the dream of completing a family picture. With today’s IVF techniques and genetic screening, this wish can be approached thoughtfully and safely. The process doesn’t replace nature; it simply gives families a way to plan with clarity when health, history, or heart leads them there.
In this 2026 guide, we explore countries where gender selection IVF is legal and review key ivf gender selection legal countries, what the process involves, how costs and success rates differ around the world, and the practical questions families ask most—such as “Is gender selection legal in the US?” and “Can gender be chosen during IVF in India?”
Countries Where Gender Selection IVF Is Legal
Below is a curated overview of gender selection IVF legal countries, focusing on accessibility, regulation, and costs. Data reflects 2026 clinic averages and success rates (live births per transfer, ages <35).
Gender Selection in the United States
In the United States, gender selection is legal for both medical and non-medical purposes, though it remains clinic-dependent with no federal ban. Costs range from $20,000 to $35,000 per cycle, including PGT-A. The procedure benefits from high FDA regulation and success rates of 50–65%, making it particularly popular in states like California and New York.
Gender Selection in Cyprus
Cyprus follows EU regulations, meaning gender selection is primarily permitted for medical reasons to prevent genetic diseases. While it remains a high-standard hub for IVF with costs between $6,000 and $10,000, those specifically seeking non-medical family balancing often look toward the northern part of the island due to stricter EU bioethics laws in the South.
Gender Selection in Northern Cyprus
Northern Cyprus is one of the most recognized destinations for gender selection IVF, particularly among patients from Europe and the Middle East. Both medical and non-medical gender selection are permitted, and clinics routinely offer IVF with PGT-A for family balancing. Treatment costs typically range from $6,000 to $10,000, with success rates around 50–60% depending on maternal age and clinic protocols. Because Northern Cyprus is outside EU regulatory jurisdiction, it offers legal flexibility while maintaining access to European-trained fertility specialists.
Gender Selection in Georgia
Georgia allows gender selection for both local and international patients, with treatment costs typically ranging from $4,000 to $7,000 and success rates around 50–60%. The country has become an emerging hub due to modern IVF clinics and straightforward visa procedures.
However, regulations regarding non-medical family balancing are not clearly defined, and availability can vary between clinics. Prospective patients should confirm directly whether a clinic currently offers gender selection for non-medical reasons before planning travel.
Gender Selection in Ukraine
In Ukraine, gender selection is generally allowed for medical reasons, while family balancing is clinic-dependent and must be confirmed directly.
However, due to ongoing conflict, many fertility clinics have reduced international services or relocated parts of their lab operations to nearby countries.
- Availability: Limited / clinic-dependent
- Travel: May be difficult or unsafe; check current advisories
- Typical Cost: $5,000–$8,000 (clinic-reported; meds not included)
- Recommendation: If considering Ukraine, verify clinic location and operational status in advance.
Alternative similar-cost destinations: Georgia, Northern Cyprus, Iran.
Gender Selection in Iran
Gender selection in Iran is fully legalized for both medical needs and family balancing. Under Iranian law and Sharia-based ethics, the procedure is considered permissible (Halal), which has led to a highly regulated and booming medical tourism sector. Unlike the recent ideological shifts seen in the 2026 EU Parliament debates, Iran maintaines a clear legal framework that combines advanced genetic technology with traditional family values, making it a stable and affordable destination for international patients.
The cost falls between $3,000 and $6,000, with success rates of 45–55%. High-volume centers in Tehran operate under Sharia-compliant ethics, fueling growth in medical tourism for gender selection in Iran.
IVF Gender Selection Legal Countries in Europe
Only Cyprus in Europe allows non-medical gender selection. All other EU countries (including UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands) restrict it to medical reasons only under strict national bioethics laws.
IVF Gender Selection for Family Balancing Near India
Many couples searching for sex selection for family balancing IVF legal countries near India are from regions where non-medical gender selection is prohibited, such as India and Pakistan. As a result, they often look for nearby countries where IVF with PGT-based sex selection is legally available, affordable, and culturally accessible.
- Iran – closest, fully legal, affordable
- Northern Cyprus – popular IVF destination for South Asian patients
- Georgia – visa-friendly and cost-effective
- United States – legal but far and expensive
Among these options, Iran and Northern Cyprus are the most commonly selected destinations for couples seeking family balancing IVF near India due to legal clarity, geographic proximity, and cost efficiency.
Gender Selection in Pakistan
In Pakistan, non-medical gender selection is not permitted, and fertility clinics are not allowed to offer family balancing services under PMDC regulations and Islamic medical ethics. For this reason, couples who wish to undergo IVF with gender selection often travel abroad. Iran has become a common choice due to its close geographic proximity, cultural and religious familiarity, regulated fertility centers, and comparatively affordable treatment costs. As a result, many Pakistani couples choose to receive IVF with PGT-based gender selection in Iran where the procedure is legally available in licensed clinics.
The image below shows the countries where gender selection for non-medical reasons is legal These include Iran, the United States, Cyprus, and Dubai (UAE) — where choosing your baby’s gender for family or personal reasons is permitted.
Gender Selection in Canada
In Canada, gender selection for non-medical reasons is prohibited under the Assisted Human Reproduction Act (2004). Clinics are permitted to perform sex selection only when it is necessary to prevent a serious hereditary or sex-linked disorder, and offering the procedure for family balancing can result in legal penalties or loss of license. Because of this restriction, Canadian couples who wish to pursue IVF with gender selection for personal or family balancing reasons often seek treatment abroad. Popular destinations include the United States (where family balancing is generally available in many clinics), Northern Cyprus (commonly used for IVF travel), and Iran, which is increasingly chosen for its lower treatment costs, experienced fertility centers, and legal allowance of both medical and non-medical gender selection.
Gender Selection in Mexico
Mexico does not have a nationwide ban on non-medical sex selection, but regulations vary by state. Some private fertility centers offer gender selection with PGT-A, while others follow stricter ethical guidelines. Patients considering Mexico should verify clinic accreditation and laboratory standards before treatment.
Gender Selection IVF Legal Countries List
- United States – Both medical & family balancing
- Cyprus – EU leader in IVF tourism
- Georgia – Most affordable option
- Ukraine – High expertise, low cost
- Iran – Sharia-approved, growing medical hub
Prohibited for non-medical use: UK, Canada, Australia, India, Thailand, Pakistan, most of EU
Summary Table: IVF Gender Selection Laws
| Country | Medical Allowed | Family Balancing | Avg. Cost (USD) | Success Rate (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Yes | Yes | 20,000–35,000 | 50–65 |
| Northern Cyprus | Yes | Yes | 6,000–10,000 | ~55 |
| Georgia | Yes | Clinic-Dependent | 4,000–7,000 | 50–60 |
| Ukraine | Yes | Clinic-Dependent | 5,000–8,000 | ~50 |
| Iran | Yes | Yes | 3,000–6,000 | 45–55 |
| United Kingdom | Yes | No | N/A | N/A |
| Canada | Yes | No | N/A | N/A |
| Australia | Yes | No | N/A | N/A |
| India | Yes | No | N/A | N/A |
Conclusion
The global situation of countries where gender selection IVF is legal, also known as ivf gender selection legal countries, is different from one country to another. These differences come from culture, ethics, and national laws. In many countries, gender selection is allowed only to avoid serious genetic or inherited diseases. However, a smaller group of countries also allows gender selection for family balancing, which gives parents more choice when planning their family.
For couples who cannot use gender selection in their own country because of legal limits, traveling abroad has become a practical solution. Countries such as the United States, Northern Cyprus, Georgia, and Iran attract many international patients. Each of these destinations offers different benefits in terms of medical quality, treatment cost, and ease of travel.
The most important step is choosing a trusted fertility clinic. A good clinic should be licensed, clear about its process, and have experienced genetic specialists. With proper guidance and careful planning, families can go through gender selection IVF safely, ethically, and with confidence.
FAQ
Where is gender selection legal?
Gender selection via IVF is legally allowed (fully or conditionally) in countries such as the United States, Cyprus, Northern Cyprus, Georgia, Ukraine, and Iran.
Which countries allow gender selection IVF?
Gender selection through IVF is legally allowed in a limited number of countries. For both medical reasons and family balancing, countries such as the United States, Northern Cyprus, Iran, and Cyprus permit IVF with PGT-based gender selection under regulated clinical settings.
In contrast, many countries including the UK, Canada, Australia, India, and most European nations restrict gender selection to medical necessity only, and prohibit non-medical family balancing.
Which countries allow IVF gender selection for family balancing (non-medical)?
Countries where non-medical IVF gender selection (family balancing) is legally available include:
- United States
- Cyprus
- Northern Cyprus
- Iran
- Georgia (clinic-dependent)
How to conceive a baby boy?
The only medically reliable way to plan a baby boy is through IVF with genetic testing (PGT-A), where male (XY) embryos are identified and transferred. Natural methods (timing, diet, positions) are not scientifically proven.
Is IVF gender selection legal?
Yes, IVF gender selection is legal in some countries, but:
- Legal for medical reasons in many countries
- Legal for family balancing in only a few (e.g., United States, Cyprus, Northern Cyprus, Iran)
- Prohibited for non-medical reasons in countries like Canada, United Kingdom, India, and most of the EU
Which are the best sex selection for family balancing IVF legal countries near India?
The best sex selection for family balancing IVF legal countries near India are Iran, Northern Cyprus, Georgia, and the United States. Among these options, Iran and Northern Cyprus are the most popular choices due to their clear legal status, lower treatment costs, experienced IVF clinics, and easier travel access for patients from India and nearby countries.
Is it possible to choose gender in IVF? In which countries is it legal?
Choosing a baby’s gender through IVF is possible, but only in specific countries. For many international patients—especially those from regions where gender selection is restricted—countries like Iran, Northern Cyprus, Georgia, and the United States are the most common and practical legal options.