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Attitudes about preconception sex selection: a focus group study with Americans.
A L Kalfoglou1, J Scott, K Hudson
1Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|September 4, 2008
Summary
Most Americans support preconception sex selection (PSS) to prevent genetic diseases. While some find non-medical PSS selfish, they oppose government regulation of this reproductive technology.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Technology
- Bioethics
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may approve MicroSort, a sperm-sorting technology for sex selection.
- Public attitudes in the US regarding the ethical use and regulation of this technology are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore American values and beliefs concerning the use and regulation of preconception sex selection (PSS) technology.
- To understand public opinion on the appropriate applications and oversight of PSS.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 20 focus groups in five major US cities in April 2003.
- Included 176 participants aged 18-68, grouped by demographics.
- Performed qualitative analysis of transcripts using NVivo 2.0 to identify shaping beliefs and values.
Main Results:
- Strong public support for using PSS to avoid X-linked genetic diseases.
- Some participants viewed non-medical PSS as 'selfish' and contrary to parental love.
- Participants generally did not believe potential harms justified government intervention in reproductive choices.
Conclusions:
- Preconception sex selection (PSS) technology is likely to encounter minimal public opposition in the US if broadly marketed.
- Public acceptance hinges on distinguishing between medical and non-medical applications.
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