Attitudes towards preconception sex selection: a representative survey from Germany

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Reproductive Technology Law
• Social Science Survey Research

Background:

• Germany is poised to enact a new Human Reproductive Technology Act, potentially replacing the current Embryo Protection Act.
• Policy decisions regarding reproductive technologies necessitate understanding public attitudes towards emerging applications.
• Preconception sex selection for non-medical reasons represents a novel reproductive technology with significant ethical implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess public opinion and concerns in Germany regarding preconception sex selection for non-medical purposes.
• To inform policy development for the upcoming Human Reproductive Technology Act.
• To gauge acceptance levels for both medical and non-medical applications of sex selection.

Main Methods:

• A representative social survey was conducted in Germany.
• 1005 individuals aged 18 and older participated in the survey.
• Respondents were asked about their views on the availability of preconception sex selection.

Main Results:

• Only 11% of respondents approved of preconception sex selection for non-medical reasons.
• 54% accepted sex selection for medical purposes, while 32% opposed it entirely.
• Major concerns cited include children being a gift (87%),
• playing God
• (79%), perceived unnaturalness (76%), potential skewing of the sex ratio (49%), and sexism (40%).

Conclusions:

• Widespread opposition exists in Germany towards non-medical preconception sex selection.
• Ethical considerations, including the intrinsic value of children and concerns about unnatural interventions, heavily influence public opinion.
• Survey findings provide crucial data for German policymakers debating reproductive technology legislation.