Public Attitudes, Interests, and Concerns Regarding Polygenic Embryo Screening

Area of Science:

• Reproductive technologies
• Genetics
• Public health

Background:

• Polygenic embryo screening (PES) estimates embryo likelihood for future conditions and traits.
• Commercial availability of PES necessitates understanding public perspectives.
• Concerns exist among researchers, clinicians, and ethicists regarding PES.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey US adults on attitudes, interests, and concerns regarding polygenic embryo screening (PES).
• To examine public perspectives on various PES applications and screened outcomes.
• To inform stakeholders and policymakers about public views on PES.

Main Methods:

• Two samples of US adults surveyed (stratified and nonprobability).
• Surveys measured approval, interest, and concerns for PES applications.
• Data collected March-July 2023; analyses conducted March 2023-February 2024.

Main Results:

• 72% approved PES; 82% interested if undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• High approval for screening health conditions (77.7% physical, 72% psychiatric).
• Lower approval for screening traits (36% behavioral, 30.3% physical); significant concerns about eugenics (55.3%) and false expectations (54.8%).

Conclusions:

• Public shows strong support for PES for health conditions but reservations for traits.
• Concerns regarding eugenics and false expectations are prevalent.
• Understanding public perspectives is vital for regulating and implementing PES.