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SocietyCyprus

Gender selection in Northern Cyprus raises questions

Gunnar Köhne
November 30, 2025

In Northern Cyprus, it is legal to choose a baby's sex. Thousands travel there for the lucrative business which is banned in the EU.

https://p.dw.com/p/541EM

In Northern Cyprus, a controversial business is booming: gender selection in artificial insemination. While the procedure is only permitted in the EU when serious hereditary diseases are suspected, around 30 clinics on the Mediterranean island offer this option.

Critics warn of ethical risks and a slippery slope toward designer babies. Nevertheless, thousands of couples travel to Northern Cyprus every year.