Australian Influencer Caitlin Bailey Faces Backlash Over U.S. Gender-Selective IVF

14 May 2025

Australian influencer Caitlin Bailey has ignited a heated debate after revealing she traveled to the United States to undergo sex-selective in vitro fertilization (IVF), a procedure prohibited in Australia for non-medical reasons. Bailey, a single mother of three, spent approximately $45,000 to conceive her fourth child, a girl aiming to achieve a balanced family of two boys and two girls.

Bailey documented her journey through Gender Selection Australia, a service that assists Australians in accessing gender-selection procedures abroad. She completed initial IVF preparations in Australia before making two trips to Los Angeles for egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Bailey is now expecting her daughter in August.

In response to criticism, Bailey took to Instagram to express her disappointment, stating that the negative feedback made her feel "sick to [her] stomach." She emphasized that her decision was personal and not intended to provoke controversy, urging followers to remain positive and refrain from judgment.

The controversy has sparked discussions about the ethics of non-medical sex selection. Paula Gerber, a human rights expert at Monash University, criticized the practice, citing concerns over gender imbalance and the commodification of children. Despite the backlash, Bailey questioned why such choices aren't available in Australia, especially if the technology is accessible and not harmful.

Bailey's case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding reproductive rights and the ethical implications of gender selection, highlighting the complexities faced by individuals navigating differing international regulations.