US survey reveals support for reproductive genetic testing

Most Americans think it is acceptable to test embryos to avoid life-threatening conditions, or to find out if they can provide matched cord blood cells for a sick sibling, a new survey shows. The poll, conducted by the Genetics and Public Policy Center, also found that most of those questioned thought that embryo testing should not be used to choose a child's sex, or to select other non-medical characteristics.

The survey, thought to be the largest ever on American attitudes towards genetic testing, found that 67 per cent of participants approve of using reproductive genetic tests to look for fatal disease-causing gene mutations. Fundamentalist and evangelical Christians were the least supportive, but 49 per cent still approved of this use of the technique. Perhaps surprisingly, say the report's authors, 52 per cent of those who assign human embryos maximum 'moral worth' - deserving of utmost respect and protection - also approve of this application.

The survey report is based on the findings of 21 focus groups, 62 in-depth interviews and two polls with a combined total of more than 6000 participants. While most had heard of genetic testing at some level, awareness of PGD - the genetic testing of IVF embryos before they are returned to the womb - was very low among all groups.

Fears that reproductive genetic technologies represent 'a slippery slope' on the way to 'treating children like products' were shared by 70 per cent of the respondents. And 84 per cent were 'concerned about unregulated reproductive technology getting out of hand'. Many expressed a desire for oversight of such technologies: 61 per cent agreed that the safety and quality of PGD should be regulated. However, a greater proportion - 70 per cent - are 'concerned about government regulators invading private reproductive decisions', with only 38 per cent supporting the idea that the government should regulate PGD based on ethics and morality. 'These exceptionally nuanced attitudes of the American public are not mirrored in the polarised political debates that currently paralyse public policy', commented centre director Kathy Hudson.

A companion report published by the centre, entitled 'Reproductive Genetic Testing: Issues and Options for Policymakers', lays out a variety of different approaches to overseeing such technology. The report concludes with a call for more research, particularly on the number of people likely to use reproductive genetic tests, how people access them, and the safety and accuracy of current tests. Both the report and the survey findings are available to download from the centre's website.