The parental origin of the single X chromosome in sex-chromosome monosomy was evaluated by comparing restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) of 10 spontaneous aborted 45,X conceptions with those of their parents. Seven X-linked marker loci were used, and we were able to specify the origin of the X in nine cases, with six being maternally and three paternally derived. These results demonstrate the efficiency of the technique and show that the single X chromosome in 45,X spontaneous abortions can be derived from either parent.