In a deeply emotional decision, a Chinese woman named Jiujiu from Sichuan Province has chosen to terminate her pregnancy after receiving troubling misinformation on social media about her unborn child. Jiujiu was informed that her baby might have XYY syndrome, a genetic condition that is often misunderstood and wrongly associated with aggressive or violent behavior.
XYY syndrome is a genetic disorder where a male has an extra Y chromosome, resulting in a total of two Y chromosomes instead of one. This condition is typically present in about one in every 1,000 males and is often misconstrued as leading to violent tendencies. Jiujiu posted her prenatal examination report on Douyin, showing a high probability that her baby might have this condition. The report sparked concern due to widespread misconceptions linking XYY syndrome with criminality.
Dr. Qi Qianrong, an embryologist at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, provided clarity on the matter. He explained that XYY syndrome is relatively common and generally does not result in abnormal behavior. Individuals with XYY syndrome might be slightly taller and more masculine, but there is no evidence to support a direct link between this condition and violent behavior. Dr. Qi emphasized that most individuals with XYY syndrome lead normal lives and that criminal tendencies are not a definitive trait of the condition.
After receiving this misinformation and consulting with her family and doctors, Jiujiu decided to terminate her pregnancy on July 18. She expressed her sorrow over the decision and urged the public to avoid stigmatizing XYY syndrome. Dr. Qi supported this plea, noting that while some individuals with XYY syndrome have been involved in criminal activities, it is incorrect to attribute such behavior to everyone with the condition. He underscored that a person's character is shaped by a combination of genetic, environmental, and educational factors, rather than genetics alone.
