Consumers' desire towards current and prospective reproductive genetic testing

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Reproductive Health
• Bioethics

Background:

• Advances in molecular genetics enable expanded prenatal detection of conditions and traits.
• Consumer utilization of these advanced genetic services remains largely unassessed.
• Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for guiding genetic service development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gauge consumer opinions on prenatal genetic testing for diseases and enhancements.
• To identify specific conditions and traits for which individuals would opt for reproductive genetic testing.
• To explore the extent of consumer-desired genetic testing versus current offerings.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to patients before their initial genetic counseling session.
• Participants indicated preferences for prenatal genetic testing for various conditions and enhancements.
• Data were analyzed to determine the proportion of respondents favoring different types of genetic tests.

Main Results:

• A majority would choose prenatal genetic testing for conditions like mental retardation (75%), deafness (54%), blindness (56%), heart disease (52%), and cancer (51%).
• Testing preference decreased with age of condition onset: 49.3% for death by 5 years, 41.1% by 20 years, 24.9% by 40 years, and 19% by 50 years.
• Most respondents showed little interest in testing for enhancements, with only 13% favoring superior intelligence testing.

Conclusions:

• Consumers express a desire for broader reproductive genetic testing options than currently available.
• Patient choices indicate self-imposed limitations, prioritizing severe early-onset conditions over later-life diseases or enhancements.
• Findings suggest a need to align genetic service offerings with consumer-driven preferences while acknowledging ethical considerations.