Critical reasoning – Should sex-determination tests during pregnancy be completely banned? Statement: “Should the sex determination test during pregnancy be completely banned?” Arguments to evaluate: I. Yes. It leads to indiscriminate female foeticide and long-run social imbalance. II. No. People have a right to know about their unborn child.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Only argument I is strong

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question weighs ethical, social, and demographic consequences against an asserted informational “right.” Many jurisdictions regulate sex-selective practices due to harmful societal outcomes.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Argument I links sex-determination misuse to female foeticide and skewed sex ratios.
  • Argument II asserts a general right of parents to know foetal sex.
  • No medical necessity for sex knowledge is stated (e.g., sex-linked genetic disease).


Concept / Approach:
Public policy often restricts certain information when its predictable misuse harms vulnerable groups and destabilizes social balance. Ethical frameworks prioritize preventing serious harm.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Argument I: Strong. It identifies severe, documented consequences (female foeticide, gender imbalance) justifying a complete ban or tight regulation except for legitimate medical reasons.Argument II: Weak as framed. A generic “right to know” does not outweigh clear, large-scale social harm. Rights are not absolute; they are limited to prevent significant harm.


Verification / Alternative check:

Policy practice often allows sex-linked disease testing while banning disclosure of foetal sex for non-medical reasons—consistent with the thrust of Argument I.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Only II / Either / Neither / Both: These underplay the serious social harm dimension recognised in many legal frameworks.


Common Pitfalls:

Equating all “rights to know” with absolute, consequence-free claims.


Final Answer:
Only argument I is strong

More Questions from Statement and Argument

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