Opinions concerning pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and sex selection among gynecologist-obstetricians in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to assess a sample of obstetrician-gynecologists on their technical knowledge of PGD as well as their views of PGD and sex selection (SS).


METHODS
Cross-sectional observational study, carried out during a Congress on Gynecology and Obstetrics. A self-report questionnaire was offered to all professionals registered to attend the Congress and answers of 723 physicians were analyzed.


RESULTS
Of the participants, 436 (60.3%) were female and 287 (39.7%) were male; 517 (71.5%) had children. Regarding knowledge of PGD techniques, 63.2% had heard something about PGD and/or preconception SS. Concerning SS, physicians believed that SS is always the couple's choice (36.4%), should be the couple's choice only in specific situations (42.6%), or did not agree that SS should be a couple's choice (17.4%). A majority of the respondents were in favor of PGD and believed that pre-embryos with 6-8 cells are human life in potency.


CONCLUSIONS
In spite of a small percentage of gynecologists-obstetricians in Brazil had knowledge of PGD techniques, many of them recognized it to be a method to prevent genetic diseases and agreed with its use. The SS appears to be highly accepted for use in specific situations.
Caldas
George H
GH
Medicine Center of Sergipe-Fertility Clinic, CEMISE-CLIFERT, Aracaju, SE, Brazil. cientifico@cemise.com.br
Caldas
Erika
E
Araújo
Edilson D
ED
Bonetti
Tatiana C S
TC
Leal
Cláudio B
CB
Costa
Aurélio M
AM
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D033421:Beginning of Human Life; D001938:Brazil; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019836:Preimplantation Diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D012743:Sex Preselection / Q000523:psychology*