Opinions about new reproductive genetic technologies: Hopes and fears for our genetic future

Kalfoglou, Andrea L.; Doksum, Teresa; Bernhardt, Barbara; Geller, Gail; LeRoy, Lisa; Mathews, Debra J.H.; Evans, John H.; Doukas, David J.; Reame, Nancy; Scott, Joan; Hudson, Kathy

doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.01.090

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Volume 83, Issue 6 , Pages 1612-1621, June 2005

Opinions about new reproductive genetic technologies: Hopes and fears for our genetic future

Presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, October 13, 2003; the American Society of Human Genetics Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, California, November 8, 2003; and the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 31, 2004.

Andrea L. Kalfoglou, Ph.D.
- Genetics and Public Policy Center, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC
- Reprint requests: Kathy Hudson, Ph.D., Genetics and Public Policy Center, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 1717 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036 (FAX: 202-663-5992).
Teresa Doksum, Ph.D.
- Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
Barbara Bernhardt, M.S., C.G.C.
- University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Gail Geller, Sc.D.
- Genetics and Public Policy Studies, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC
Lisa LeRoy, Ph.D.
- Abt Associates Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts
Debra J.H. Mathews, Ph.D.
- Genetics and Public Policy Center, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC
John H. Evans, Ph.D.
- Department of Sociology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
David J. Doukas, M.D.
- Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Nancy Reame, Ph.D.
- School of Nursing and Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Joan Scott, M.S., C.G.C.
- Genetics and Public Policy Center, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC
Kathy Hudson, Ph.D.
- Genetics and Public Policy Center, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC

Received 27 July 2004; received in revised form 20 January 2005; accepted 20 January 2005.

Objective

To identify underlying beliefs and values shaping Americans’ opinions about the appropriate use of new reproductive genetic technologies (RGTs), including preimplantation genetic diagnosis, hypothetical genetic modification, and sperm sorting for sex selection.

Design

Scenarios with ethical dilemmas presented to 21 focus groups organized by sex, race/ethnicity, religion, age, education, and parental status.

Setting

A city in each state: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Tennessee.

Participant(s)

One hundred and eighty-one paid volunteers, ages 18 to 68.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Beliefs and values that shape participants’ opinions about the appropriate use of new RGTs.

Result(s)

Regardless of demographic characteristics, focus group participants considered six key factors when determining the appropriateness of using RGTs: [1] whether embryos would be destroyed; [2] the nature of the disease or trait being avoided or sought; [3] technological control over “natural” reproduction; [4] the value of suffering, disability, and difference; [5] the importance of having genetically related children; and [6] the kind of future people desire or fear.

Conclusion(s)

Public opinions about the appropriate use of RGTs are shaped by numerous complementary and conflicting values beyond classic abortion arguments. Clinicians and policy-makers have the opportunity to consider these opinions when creating messages and crafting policy.

Key Words: Focus groups , genetic modification , in vitro fertilization , preimplantation genetic diagnosis , public opinion , qualitative research , reproductive genetics , sex selection