title: Opinions about new reproductive genetic technologies: hopes and fears for our genetic future.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  Scenarios with ethical dilemmas presented to 21 focus groups organized by sex, race/ethnicity, religion, age, education, and parental status.
  
  
  METHODS
  A city in each state: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Tennessee.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and eighty-one paid volunteers, ages 18 to 68.
  
  
  METHODS
  None.
  
  
  METHODS
  Beliefs and values that shape participants' opinions about the appropriate use of new RGTs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Genetics and Public Policy Center, Phoebe R. Berman Bioethics Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC 20036, USA. khudson5@jhu.edu
authors.forename: Andrea L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Kalfoglou
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Doksum
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bernhardt
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Geller
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: LeRoy
authors.forename: Debra J H
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Mathews
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Doukas
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Reame
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hudson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D005821:Genetic Techniques / Q000941:ethics / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D011639:Public Opinion; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000941:ethics / Q000639:trends*