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Offers a look at the debate over a technique called preimplantation genetic diagnosis which allows couples to choose the gender of their baby. Ethics of sex preselection; Reference to the clinical trial of a sperm-sorting technology called MicroSort; Question as to whether sex preselection could be a form of sex discrimination; Discussion of the topic at the Council on Bioethics in the United States; Trial aimed at avoiding genetic illnesses that strike boys; Comments made by David Hill of the ART Reproductive Center in California.

Presents a chart of three methods of reproductive technology that make it possible for parents to choose the gender of their children. Costs, complexities and success rates of each technology; Description of the MicroSort method; Use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis; Discussion of the Ericsson method.

Offers a look at folk remedies and old wives tale methods used by couples to increase their chances of giving birth to a baby of the gender of their choice. Efficacy of certain sexual positions in determining the sex of the baby; Change of diet; Study published in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in 1995 regarding the timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation and the sex of the baby; Others.

Offers a look at gender selection in Asia. Report that gender selection in India often means murder of girl babies; Abortion of female fetuses in India, China and South Korea; Unavailability of sex preselection technology; Imbalance of the ratio of boys to girls in Asia; Comments made by Indian Health Minister Sushma Swaraj; Creation of incentives by Asian governments.

Editorial. Presents a letter from the editor of "Newsweek" regarding articles found in the January 26, 2004 issue. Development of a method of sperm sifting called MicroSort that allows couples to screen them for gender; Ethics of sex selection; Article on the Democratic presidential candidates; Insights into Democratic candidate Howard Dean's personality.

Discusses the desire of couples in India to have sons instead of daughters. Fertility treatments, in vitro fertilization and ultra sounds as methods to assure sons over daughters; History of female infanticide in India; Risks for doctors in India who determine the sex of a baby; Efforts of the Indian Health Ministry to tighten laws against infant sex selection.

Present a reader's response to the article `Kidnapped Sons For Sale,' that appeared in the September 7, 1998 issue of `Newsweek.' Observations on how Chinese view sons and daughters.