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.


METHODS
Representative survey.


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


METHODS
Patients were not included.


METHODS
No interventions took place.


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


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Stöbel-Richter
Yve
Y
Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Strasse 55, Leipzig, Germany. yve.stoebel-richter@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Goldschmidt
Susanne
S
Brähler
Elmar
E
Weidner
Kerstin
K
Beutel
Manfred
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019976:Cloning, Organism / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000523:psychology; D012067:Religion; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted / Q000523:psychology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013533:Gestational Carriers / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult