The new human genetic and reproductive technologies represent a challenge for pollsters. These technologies are very new and engage deep value commitments and emotions, and as a result slightly different wordings and sampling methods can significantly alter survey results. Readers should interpret polling data on these issues with caution.
Below we analyze and display the results of 23 opinion surveys concerning new human genetic and reproductive technologies.
Narrative Overview
Opinions
about Reproductive Cloning
Opinions
about Research Cloning
Opinions
about Inheritable Genetic Modification (IGM)
Quantitative Display
Opinions about Reproductive Cloning
Residents of North America and Europe—the populations most often surveyed—consistently oppose reproductive cloning by majorities of 85% to 90%.
Sentiments among opponents of reproductive cloning are more strongly felt and less likely to change than are those among supporters. Only a small portion of the opposition to cloning is based on perceptions of its physical danger. More often people cite beliefs that it is "morally wrong," "interferes with human distinctiveness and individuality," "could be used for questionable purposes like breeding a superior race," or conflicts with their religious beliefs.
Opposition to reproductive cloning is generally consistent across political persuasions, but—like concern over most other human genetic technologies—increases among women, parents, and minorities, and with age and religious conviction. It decreases with education and income.
For a quantitative summary of survey results see:
[ Analysis
>> Public Opinion >> Summary of Survey Results :
Reproductive Cloning ]
Opinions about Research Cloning
Opinions on research cloning are generally negative, but survey results vary depending on the phrasing of the question. Although most indicate that a slight majority of Americans oppose research cloning, opinion is difficult to gauge because the technologies and terminology are not well understood. Not surprisingly, opposition weakens to the extent that the survey questions emphasize saving lives and curing disease, and downplay cloning itself.
Two surveys conducted in the highly politicized American climate
in April 2002 ilustrate the malleability of the results. A poll
sponsored by the conservative anti-choice organization Stop Human
Cloning indicated that 59% of Americans oppose the creation of
human embryos for medical research, whereas one by the Coalition
for the Advancement of Medical Research (which supports research
cloning) suggested that 68% support using the technology to create
stem cells that may ultimately treat certain diseases.
For a quantitative summary of survey results see:
[ Analysis
>> Public Opinion >> Summary of Survey Results :
Research Cloning ].
Opinions about Inheritable Genetic Modification (IGM)
Similarly, public opinion on IGM is difficult to assess because
of the ambiguity of some of the questions and the terminology used.
For example, 92% of Americans oppose using cloning technology to
create genetically superior human beings, yet a 1987 survey (the
most recent official U.S. government investigation) found that 44%
approved of genetically improving children's intelligence or
physical characteristics. And as with research cloning, opposition
to IGM decreases with increased emphasis on therapy and cures for
disease, and increases with emphasis on its non-medical
uses.
For a quantitative summary of survey results see:
[ Analysis
>> Public Opinion >> Summary of Survey Results : IGM
].
More Information
Perspectives:
Explore various communities' concerns regarding human genetic
technologies
Policies:
Read about existing and potential regulations
Technologies:
Learn the basic science and consider arguments for and against
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