The Ethics of Gene Therapy and Abortion: Public Opinion

Abstract

On the grounds that the public should be consulted in decisions concerning the legitimate scope of germ-line genetic therapy (GLGT), survey data on the ethics of GLGT were collected from a large (n = 1,403) representative national sample of Australians in 2002. The data show that opinion is quite divided over GLGT in the case of a ‘death sentence’ genetic defect: 36% would forbid it, 23% have mixed feelings and 41% would allow it. For less serious conditions there is more opposition to GLGT. Thus, 48% would forbid GLGT to remedy a minor physical defect and 52% would oppose GLGT to counteract a propensity to violence, but fully 73% would disallow GLGT for cosmetic reasons. The data also show that opposition to abortion is lower than opposition to GLGT in the case of a ‘death sentence’ genetic defect, but at about the same level as, or greater than, opposition to GLGT for less serious issues. The questions show good measurement properties, including low missing data rates, so they are likely to provide an accurate picture of the public’s views on the ethics of GLGT. It is suggested that a system for monitoring public opinion on these issues be developed.

Influence of Scientific Worldviews on Attitudes toward Organ Transplants: National Survey Data from the United States

“…The dominant effect of scientific knowledge is striking, because scientific knowledge matters little to attitudes about many newer biotechnologies such as genetic engineering/genetic modification, [14][15][16] germline genetic therapy, 17 and embryonic stem cell research. 18 We suggest a working hypothesis that attitudes toward new technologies will generally reflect people's acceptance and knowledge of science, with the knowledgeable finding new technologies more understandable, trusting more in scientists and scientific progress, being less fearful of novel risks, and thus more supportive overall.…”

“…For example, volunteering is much more common among regular churchgoers than among "festivals Christians" or the unchurched. 43,44 Importantly, this result suggests that churchgoers' altruism extends into at least some areas of biotechnologies, in contrast to its pervasive negative effects on approval of germline genetic therapy, 17 genetic engineering of animals and plants, 15 and embryonic stem cell research. 18,31 Interestingly, in contrast to other domains such as attitudes toward embryonic stem cell research, 31 affiliating with a fundamentalist denomination does not affect attitudes toward organ transplants, even after adjusting for denominational differences in attendance at worship services.…”

“…Next comes knowledge of science, potentially influenced by upbringing. The linkage between scientific knowledge and attitudes toward medical interventions and biotechnologies may seem highly logical, but prior research has generally shown little or no link for many newer biotechnologies such as genetic engineering/genetic modification, [14][15][16] germline genetic therapy, 17 and embryonic stem cell research. 18 By contrast, a meta-analysis of prior research suggests that knowledge about the science and medicine of organ transplant is associated with more positive attitudes about organ transplant both in the general population 8 and among college students.…”

“…Conceptualization, question development, and pretesting were based on our series of Australian studies beginning in 1993. 17,22,23 The sample is representative of US adults (≥18 years old). It is based on an Internet panel provided by the well-regarded private firm Survey Sampling International.…”

“…Old and young, educated and uneducated, all alike support organ transplants. Surprisingly, men-generally more supportive of emerging biotechnology such as genetic engineering and stem cell therapy 17 -are actually a little less supportive of organ transplants, by 3 points out of 100.…”