Analysis of national representative opinion surveys concerning gestational surrogacy in Japan.
OBJECTIVE
Although gestational surrogacy offers several advantages, this procedure has given rise to some ethical and legal issues. We aimed to clarify the factors affecting the attitude of the Japanese toward gestational surrogacy.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Nationwide opinion surveys concerning assisted reproductive technologies (ART) were carried out in 1999 and 2003. Participants included 2568 and 3647 people from the general public surveyed in 1999 and 2003, respectively (1564 people received only the questionnaire, and 2083 people received a questionnaire and brochure about ART).


METHODS
Multivariate-adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval from logistic regression models for factors affecting the attitude toward gestational surrogacy.


RESULTS
In both surveys, approximately half of respondents approved of gestational surrogacy; 20-30% disapproved of the procedure. People with high socioeconomic status clearly expressed their opinion on this issue. A liberal attitude toward gender role promoted approval of gestational surrogacy; a liberal attitude toward family had the opposite effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that socioeconomic status affects people's expression of their opinion regarding this issue, while attitudes toward this procedure were influenced by individual belief. Considering socioeconomic status and diversity of individual belief is required for further discussion on this topic.
Suzuki
Kohta
K
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Tamaho, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan.
Hoshi
Kazuhiko
K
Minai
Junko
J
Yanaihara
Takumi
T
Takeda
Yasuhisa
Y
Yamagata
Zentaro
Z
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000209:etiology; D007564:Japan; D011247:Pregnancy; D011639:Public Opinion; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013533:Gestational Carriers