Baby Gender Mentor

India Supreme Court considers blocking Baby Gender Mentor web site to prevent sales in India

Maureen — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:19:27 GMT

Because any prenatal sex determination (even by ultrasound) is illegal in India, due to the unbalanced sex ratio caused by aborting baby girls, India's Supreme Court has been petitioned to block the Baby Gender Mentor web site. BGM is a DNA test which claims to be able to determine an unborn baby's gender at just 6 weeks of pregnancy with 99.9% accuracy; but was found to be very inaccurate and the company was sued in a class-action lawsuit. For a while the test was taken off the market, but may be available again. And apparently, after a deluge of bad press in the U.S., BGM has been advertising in Indian newspapers.

http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/47489987555C6C9E6525748D004C5A01?OpenDocument

Unfortunately, this petition and press coverage of it probably work to BGM's advantage, because they seem to legitimize the test. Not only do more people hear about the test, they assume the test works if the government takes steps to ban it or if there is discussion about whether the test is ethical.

To date, India has been completely unable to enforce its laws against prenatal sex determination and sex selective abortion; there will be no difference here, people will just find a way to get the test illegally. After all the test is mainly just a piece of special paper for collecting a blood spot; it doesn't have to be in a bright orange box, it could come in a plain white envelope.

And the people who get it will likely make a life-or-death decision based on inaccurate information.

Ultrasound pictures....

gainesvillemom — Fri, 27 Jan 2006 12:47:35 GMT

BMG said this baby is a boy. Just wanted to share the picture!

E-mail from the FBI??

StarzMom — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:49:23 GMT

Did anyone else get this e-mail from the FBI?? I just got it today...

Hello,

My name is Michael Barretto and I work for the FBI/Department of Justice. According to our records, you had bought a prenatal gender test from the website Baby Gender Mentor (Acu-Gen). Since you are one of the people that purchased a test, I would like to ask a couple questions.

-Was the test accurate?

If the test was incorrect:

1. Did you receive the 200% refund?

2. Would you be willing to send a copy of your child's birth certificate if we send you a pre-paid envelope?

(If you are willing to send the birth certificate, please provide your address.)

3. Were there any claims made by Acu-Gen about the baby's health after you told Acu-Gen that the gender was incorrect?

4. If you are willing to provide the birth certificate, please provide your current address.

If you would like verification that I do work for the FBI, please do not hesitate to call the main office number at 617-742-5533 and ask for me.

Thank You for your time and help,

Michael Barretto

Intern

FBI Boston

617-742-5533

Reason why BGM poll is now closed/locked?

Stefanie — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 02:54:08 GMT

Hello..this is my first post on this site ever. I have been lurking for weeks though, ever since I got my BGM results in December (2006). My husband and I heard about the test in May '05, when we were expecting our third child. We decided not to get the test then, and then proceeded to forget about it (we never heard about all the BGM controversy). Fast forward to Nov. '06, when we find out about our surprise upcoming 4th child....As a surprise, my husband ordered the kit for me, so we could find out the gender. It wasn't until AFTER we paid for the lab fee that I learn, via Internet, that BGM is wrong... a lot. I am sort of hoping it's wrong though--they say I am having a boy, which if they are correct, I am having my fourth son! So, I was interested to read the poll with all the wrong and right BGM predictions. Just curious as to why it is now closed. There has to be some folks still out there (like me!) who recently, and unfortunately, took the test. It would be interesting to see if now the company is trying harder to be correct, or if they are still wrong a lot. Thanks! P.S. I am a little embarrased to have taken the test without doing much research first. I guess I thought "If it was good enough for the Today Show..." I learned my lesson.

Getting nervous...U/S on Wednesday

sarahmarie — Mon, 05 Jun 2006 15:57:48 GMT

My U/S is in 2 days!!! I'm getting so nervous...BGM said BOY and I really really want a little girl. I have gone over and over it in my mind and I have thought of ALL the pros of having a boy - especially Austin being able to have a little brother close in age - but I still really want a girl. I think at this point I am prepared either way for a boy or a girl, but I know I will still feel some kind of disappoinment when the u/s tech says boy. I am so pissed off at BGM. Since I've found that they are obviously not trustworthy, I have been unable to rely on the the results they gave me, and I have missed out on 9+ weeks that I should have had to bond with my baby. Even if they are right I still feel scammed. I really hope the sales are stopped for good and they can't continue to put other people through this stress.

Well...wish me luck!! I'll report back ASAP on Wednesday (my U/S is at 10am - I'm in Arizona).

Thanks for all the support through this whole ordeal!!

What the he&%?

Stefanie — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 01:32:07 GMT

I have been following the BGM lawsuit ever since I found out BGM was a very unreliable test (of course, AFTER I paid the $$ to get the test done myself). Anyway, I have been going on the BGM website, seeing if any changes have been made to their guarantee, etc. I just checked it now, and I clicked on the "A Total Advantage" button, and what came up on the screen was sort of creepy. It was some computer "gibberish" (I am not good with real computer terms) and intermingled between was lots of porn-like words. See for yourself! I copied it, but am not pasting it on this post since it is offensive. What the heck is up with that? Does any one else see it?

Acu-Gen to settle Baby Gender Mentor lawsuit for $300,000

Maureen — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:55:43 GMT

http://www.lowellsun.com/front/ci_5523732

News article about Baby gender Mentor

melissa30 — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 16:44:57 GMT

http://www.lowellsun.com/

What do you think. I think he really listened to Erin and I. He got the point across that it is not just about knowing the Gender. It is about all the other things that we did not want to know about, that eneded up being a totally false!!! Best article yet!

anyone willing to be interviewed re: Baby Gender Mentor?

lowellsun — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 14:27:25 GMT

Hi, my name is Tom Spoth and I am the business reporter for the Lowell Sun in Lowell, Mass. I'm working on a story on Acu-Gen Biolabs, maker of the Baby Gender Mentor. Maureen has given me permission to post in these forums, in hopes of finding people who have used the test. If anyone is willing to speak to me, I can be reached at 978-970-4651 or at tspoth@lowellsun.com. Thank you! - Tom

is baby gender mentor crap? how about fortunebaby?

hope4girl — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 21:12:14 GMT

Hi all,

I am a new member. Prego w/ #2. I didn't realize how badly I wanted a girl ( DS is 2 1/2) until

I got my "Tell me Pink or Blue" results back yesterday and it says boy. My infertility doc was guessing girl and I think I

got my hopes up. (I don't ovulate and clomid produces a higher # of girls apparantly)

I then read about the ambiguity of Baby gender mentor and thought maybe "tell me pink or blue" could be crap too.

Any new knews regarding these tests? We go for ultrasound in 6 days! Why can't I just wait and see?

I even went on Fortunebaby.com and it says boy too.

A little depressed,

Hope4girl!!

LOVE this website. Very neat people posting and very informative.

MARTINE LAFLUER

Bekki75 — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 04:01:54 GMT

HI there!! Im a total newbie in the process of researching trying to concoeve a boy as hubby and I have 5 (YES 5!!) girls between us!! Obviously, getting a boy is not the only reason why we are going again!! My cycle however is sparodic at teh best of times. I cant remember the last period I had (been breast feeding for the last 12 months, about to wean) and both my biological daughters were conceived without a period between them! ANYHOW!! I've been sussing out Martine Lafluers method and after seeing 50/50 feedback not too sure if I want to commit the 130AUD she is asking for for BOY dates. Does anyone here have the BOY dates for 07?? Or any other useful info for me??!!!

Maureen? Recent Refunds??

sara1014 — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 15:43:53 GMT

Hi, my baby is due within the next few weeks, BGM said boy, two ultrasounds said girl. When I took the test I thought it said 200% or 250% money back guarantee. Now it's changed to 100%, I believe? Do you know which would apply in my case?

Also, has anyone gotten any refunds from the company recently and what are the opinions about sending them the required personal information, including birth certificates -

Help appreciated, I am pursuing refund after the baby is born.

Got my girl....and my refund!!!!!

momtokeegan+1 — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 20:06:39 GMT

Hi everyone!! My little girl, Riley Marie, (who acu-gen said was a girl...then was a boy) was born on October 11. She is precious, and I feel so blessed!

I sent a copy of Riley's birth certificate along with a letter requesting a refund to BGM....and I got my check for 550 today! I'm going to RUN to the bank before that place declares bankruptcy!

My pretty girl is below! Good luck to all of you and don't give up until you get your money back! I hope nobody every has to go through what we've been through.

Emily and Riley :)

Just a little update

psanderson — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:42:51 GMT

Hi everyone. I went through the experience with this test a few months ago and you all helped me so much. BGM told me that I was going to have a boy and after preparing for a boy.....my baby girl arrived!! I just wanted to update you guys and let you know that Chloe Miah is absolutely the most beautiful baby in the world (well to me anyway!) Here is a picture for you all!!

Thank you for everything!

Had my baby ~boy~!!

fyrestar — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:01:57 GMT

I didn't see the sticky anywhere that was keeping track of all the incorrect/correct results from BGM, but wanted to post an update that my little sweetie arrived on 11/12 weighing 8 lbs 15 oz and measuring 21" long.

BGM predicted boy #3 for us and she is definitely all girl :)

Don't know if any of you remember me, but here is my update...

mommyto3boys+? — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 02:42:05 GMT

I took BGM earlier this year and they said it was a boy (#4 for that matter). I asked for a retest, and told them I had an amnio and it said it was a girl (just cause I wanted to see what the retest would say-didn't really have one) and the retest said it was a girl. A week later I had a u/s and it WAS A GIRL!!! Since then I haven't really posted, my husband decided to walk out on our family and it has been a difficult time for us. The light in all this is that my baby girl, Ashlee was born August 31 (on my birthday!) and is the best ever. After 3 boys, a baby girl is the biggest blessing. At the time BGM refunded me $250 so now I am trying for the other $250. Wish me luck!

had my baby in februayr

trbsteg02 — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 05:11:46 GMT

I did not pursue a refund, however, I was a frequent poster before I had my baby girl...ashlyn. she was supposed to be a boy according to accugen. however, she was a girl, even after a second testing by accugen. do not believe thier "cr&p". I don't know what has gone on since feb of 2006, sicne i have been busy with a newborn adn 3 year old, but i'm sure it is more inaccuracy on the part of accugen. i was duped and stolen from, but am thrilled that they were wrong.

sincerely, trudy stegall ... was due 3-1-06,. but had csection on 2-24-06 with result of baby girl...accugen definitely said boy on test and then retest...go figure!

How to go about getting a refund?

jenneelk333 — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 20:01:38 GMT

It's been a while since posting here and I don't recall how to get a refund through BGM/Accugen. I have the address as 50 steelman in lowell, MS is that right? Also, what all do I need to send to them? Does it have to be an original birth certificate or is a copy ok? I have reservations about sending an original. What about the registration numbers and access code? I recall people mentioning these things but don't have them any longer. Anyone know if there is a number to call them at and get more information?

Thanks soooo much in advance,

Jennifer

Moving On... IVF/PGD

PinkPixieDust — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 03:17:11 GMT

Hi Ladies,

I don't know if any of my Baby Gender Mentor (BGM) friends are here on this forum, but if so "hello" and I hope you are doing well! Last year I was told I was having a girl by BGM and I gave birth to the most wonderful baby boy, who is now 5 months old. He and my older son are the absolute beats of my heart! BGM was a nightmare for me, but I can honestly say, I am really happy now and I am ready to move on and try for my baby girl. I am starting IVF/PGD and although my doctors office is wonderful, I have a question I'd like to ask you ladies and possibly get some advice. First, I've been reading about how important it is to get a lot of follicles. My doc did a sonogram during my initial consultation and I had 8 follicles developing naturally on CD9. It doesn't sound like this would be enough for IVF, but with a natural cycle is that good? I conceived easily with my 2 boys, but I am worried that my fertility will drop since I am now 40 years old (5 months postpartum). Eight follicles sounded good to me at the time since we only release one egg each month, so I didn't bother asking the doctor any questions, and now I'd be embarrassed to call and ask. And second, I can use some advice. My DH and I are trying to decide how many embryos to transfer. My doc asked me if we would be willing to "reduce" the pregnancy if we conceived triplets, and I said absolutely not, so 3 embryos is not being considered at all. It's either 1 or 2. We really don't want twins. Like I said I am 40 years old, I have a 3 year old and 5 month old, and we have absolutely no help! My Mom passed away many years ago and no other family member in our lives has the time or means to help us. They all have multiple kids of their own, demanding jobs or lead busy "jet-set" lives. My DH also works very late every night and sometimes on weekends, so I'll be basically on my own with 3 or 4 kids!! Do you think we should take the risk of having twins and transfer 2 embyos? Or are we wasting our time and money by only transferring 1 embryo? Does anyone know anyone who got PG through an IVF transfer with only 1 embryo? We are shooting for the transfer in January, but with the holidays and all the preliminary appointments we have set up, I know it will go really fast!! Thanks in advance for your help!

Ps. I actually meant to post this on the Hi-Tech Gender selection forum, but it ended up here after I already clicked "Post".

Selling again?

Jesterette — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 16:58:42 GMT

I went to BGM's site yesterday because someone on my forums was talking about wanting to buy a kit. I was able to go through the whole process of adding the item to my cart and going to the billing screen to pay. Last time I went to their site the "buy" option wasn't available at all. So, does anyone know what's up? Are they selling their junk again??

British scientists announce advances in non-invasive prenatal testing

Maureen — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 21:13:44 GMT

British scientists have announced the successful use of non-invasive prenatal testing using a sample of the pregnant mother's blood, including determining the baby's sex in cases where there was a risk of a sex-linked disease. This is similar to (if not exactly) the technique claimed to be used by Baby Gender Mentor. Of course, these are tests done in a lab and not using an at-home kit. In the article below, Dr. Diana Bianchi, who commented numerous times on the problems with Baby Gender Mentor, makes references to BGM and Urobiologics (see last three paragraphs).

Sigh... it's wonderful that these researchers are making advances in non-invasive prenatal testing, but it really concerns me that this seems to legitimize the consumer tests, which have absolutely no supporting evidence as to their accuracy. Unfortunately, only BioNews made the link between this scientific announcement and the consumer tests -- the BBC and the Guardian didn't.

From BioNews

Progress in non-invasive pregnancy tests

By Dr Jess Buxton:

Non-invasive prenatal tests to identify fetuses at risk of genetic disorders as early as the sixth week of pregnancy are now a reality, say British scientists. A team based at the Institute of Child Health in London and Bristol has successfully carried out simple blood tests on more than 70 pregnant women, avoiding the need for further invasive tests in half of them. Team leader Dr Lyn Chitty presented the results at the annual meeting of the British Society of Human Genetics (BSHG), held at the University of York from 18-20th September.

The team tested women at risk of having babies affected by X-linked disorders that usually only affect boys, such as the blood clotting condition haemophilia. They also used the technique to test pregnancies at risk of a condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), which causes the genitalia of female fetuses to develop abnormally. If identified early enough, CAH can be treated in the womb using steroids. In both cases, the new test reveals the gender of the fetus, weeks before it is can be detected by ultrasound.

Dr Chitty said: 'The advantages of this test are clear when used in women at high risk of a genetic disorder. It allows for earlier determination of fetal sex than was previously possible using either chorionic villus sampling or ultrasound. It avoids the risks associated with invasive testing in about half of the women, and in some cases at risk of CAH patients could avoid taking steroids at all when the fetus was found to be male by 7 weeks of pregnancy'.

Currently, to carry out a prenatal genetic test, scientists must obtain cells from the fetus, using either amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Both techniques involve injecting a needle into the womb, which can cause a miscarriage in up to one per cent of cases. Because of this, researchers have been trying for some time to develop a non-invasive technique for carrying out genetic tests during pregnancy. In the latest study, the scientists worked on tiny amounts of 'free fetal DNA' found in the mother's blood.

Also speaking about non-invasive prenatal tests at the BSHG meeting was Professor Diana Bianchi, of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. She told delegates that such tests could one day be used to gather detailed health information about the developing fetus, and could also be used to predict the risk of pregnancy complications. But she also warned that this new technology is being misused, in unreliable commercial tests that claim to detect a baby's gender as early as the second week of pregnancy.

A test based on the technique that claims to accurately predict gender using samples of the mother's blood as early as five weeks after conception has already been marketed. However, it is currently the focus of an ongoing lawsuit in the US, brought by women who say it got the gender of their babies wrong. Now, another company is claiming that it can determine fetal gender as early as one day after a missed period, using a sample of the mother's urine.

Professor Bianchi said: 'In some cases in the US some women have gone on to have unnecessary invasive prenatal diagnostic testing performed because their ultrasound results disagreed with the home fetal gender tests. This is not simply a matter of painting the nursery the wrong color. The unnecessary invasive tests carry a risk of miscarriage'.

- BBC News Online 19/9/2006 'Pregnancy test cuts risk to baby'
- BBC News Online: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5349386.stm
- The Guardian 19/9/2006 'Blood test developed to detect risk of genetic disorder in foetus'
- The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,1875528,00.html

My baby girl is here

Kate- Chicago — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 18:25:56 GMT

Maura was born July 14th, 2006. She is a perfect, healthy little girl. We are elated!!!

Wondering if I really am having a boy...

Nancy — Tue, 05 Sep 2006 22:56:31 GMT

Wow, I got my results from Baby Gender Mentor saying that I am having a boy. I just assumed it was accurate. After reading the results from so many people on this website that state the BGM test was wrong for them... I am blown away.

I currently have a son who is 2 years old. I absolutely adore him. Last year I got pregnant with my second child (it was not planned). I found out I was having a girl. I was the happiest person alive. I figured I was finished having children, I had a boy and a girl. My daughter was born this past March and passed away 2 weeks later. To this day the Dr.'s do not know why this happened. She had a lot of problems which were never detected throughout my pregnancy. My pregnancy was completely normal throughout and I carried her full-term till my routine c-section. Needless to say, I was devastated. This came out of nowhere. My son never had any problems and is a perfectly healthy boy. The Dr.'s said the likelihood of this ever re-occurring is less than 3%.

6 months later... I am pregnant again. This one was completely planned out. I furiously studied the Shettles Method (wish I knew about Microsorting sooner) in the hopes of having another girl. I used a baby monitor and knew this baby was conceived between 1-2 days within ovulation. I knew it was v. close to "boy territory". I did the Baby Gender Mentor Test and my results were inconclusive due to male contamination. I tried again and the second time revealed I am carrying a boy. I am sad to admit it but I was hysterical. I desperately wanted to have the girl I lost.

Well that was a couple of weeks ago. I have since "accepted" the fact that I am having a boy. Now I am just praying for a healthy baby and I am thrilled for my older son to have a little brother. I just figure i'll have to try again for the girl. Most likely I will do invitro to ensure it is a girl and that she is genetically healthy.

Then I stumbled upon this site... I have my 12 week ultrasound w/a Perinatologist on September 15th. We'll see if the Dr. confirms a boy.

Thank you for letting me tell my story. I will follow up when I hear u/s results.

HELLO ALL IM BACK!!!

Tiffany — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 15:10:35 GMT

Hey girls some of you may or may not remember me however I did post alot and moved in may, It took us forever to receive internet service at our new home which by the way I love and then my pregnancy got complicated and I went into the hospital. It has been such a long chaotic pregnancy for me. IN and out of the hospital,I just got out last tues and I am now 36 wks! This is the longest Ive ever been pregnant.Any way I dont think i ever posted my bgm results.Well Wang predicted boy at 7 wks and he was right. I must admit I did cry on the us table however I quickly got over that. MY husbands brother recently pasted away at the young age of 38, It s been very hard for us all however now that my husband is able to provide our son with a brother of his own we are all able to rejoice!! I feel very blessed and honored to give my son Ethan a life lonfg friend that he will always trust and count on through all lifes ups and downs and plus there is football( OHIO STATE of course we are die hard fans!) soccer four wheelers(My husband is obsessed)IM just thrilled and anxiously waiting Judah Stephens arrival!!!!(Stephen my husbands bro)( What do you think of Judah?) I must admit Ive discovered a new sympathy for women who go full term or even over due for that matter Im so miserable I cant wait to get this kid out of me!!Im 3 cm And 90% Ive had all the steroid shots for baby and Im so ready to have him!! yesterday I did the whole castor oil thing and it did not work!! No contractions just the yucky other part! My husband leaves for Texas tuesday for 5 days Im so nervous Ill go while he s gone. Im so impatient!! Anyone ever done the castor oil thing or have any suggestios, I dont mean to rush Gods timing but IM going crazy here. I have 9 nephews Yes we are a family of all boys, I have the only 5 yr old very spoiled Princess Madison Chrisine any way most of my nephews birthdays are in oct. the 2nd the 4th the 11th 13th and the 30th I was really hoping to go early to have a sept baby. Oh well we will see, Sorry to ramble Iv e just been away for a while its good to still see everyone posting. Its like a family here!!LOL

BGM on eBay

Maureen — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:15:26 GMT

http://wantitnow.ebay.com/Baby-Gender-Mentor-Kit_W0QQadidZ190033340858