Attitudes towards Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis - a German and Japanese comparison

ISSN： 1469-9915

Source： New Genetics & Society, Vol.26, Iss.1, 2007-04, pp. : 1-27

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Abstract

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is one form of applied human genetics. In many countries this technological procedure is allowed and already practiced. In other, relatively rare cases, PGD is prohibited like in Germany or allowed only under very strict conditions like in Japan. Often, this technological application is controversially discussed because of its ethical and social implications (Meister et al., 2005). At the same time, in Germany a discussion has started on the legalization of PGD. In Japan, the discussion focuses on regulations and circumstances, under which couples are allowed to resort to PGD. The question is imminent, how people think about this new technology and how different factors like values, nationality, family status, sex and age affect their attitudes towards PGD. Therefore, a comparative survey was conducted among German and Japanese students. The analysis of the two samples shows how young people, most of whom will be confronted with questions of family planning, assess different aspects of PGD and what main factors their judgement is based on.