Egg donation, surrogate mothering, and cloning: attitudes of men and women in Germany based on a representative survey

Objective

To determine opinions and attitudes of the German general population toward the treatment methods of reproductive medicine: egg donation, surrogate mothering, and reproductive cloning.

Design

Representative survey.

Setting

German general population: face-to-face interviews at home with 2,110 persons, aged 18–50 years.

Patient(s)

Patients were not included.

Intervention(s)

No interventions took place.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Approval and disapproval of treatment methods of reproductive medicine and preimplantation genetic diagnosis were assessed by questionnaires regarding medical, age, reasons, or general.

Result(s)

Overall, the diverse treatment methods of reproductive medicine found comparable rates of approval and disapproval. Legalization of egg donation was approved by a slight majority (50.8%), particularly for medical reasons (35.9%). Surrogate mothering found lower overall rates of approval (43.7%), 28.5% supported an admission for medical reasons. Reproductive cloning was rejected by the vast majority (82.9%). Attitudes to reproductive medicine were affected by age and the individual reproductive experiences.

Conclusion(s)

New techniques in reproductive medicine and their development provide hope and health promises for affected couples but also entail long-term risks and ethical issues. Balancing the individual's right to a reproductive autonomy and choice and ethical standards will constitute a future challenge for society. Results demonstrate considerable uncertainty and information deficits in the community.

Key Words: Attitudes of the community, controversial aspects of reproductive medicine, egg donation, surrogate mothering, reproductive cloning