Gender differences in the perception of genetic engineering applied to human reproduction

A questionnaire-survey of public perception of the desirability, risks, and benefits associated with current and potential applications of genetic eng ineering techniques to manipulate the outcome of human reproduction was con ducted on 111 male and 135 female respondents. The proportion (63%) of male respondents who hold a positive impression that genetic engineering is a s ocially beneficial field of scientific research was significantly higher th an the corresponding proportion (46%) of female respondents (p = 0.008). Si milarly, in comparing somatic (non-reproductive cells) and germ-line (repro ductive cells) gene therapy, most males (58%) foresaw no detrimental impact s of somatic cell gene therapy, but most females (60%, including 49% who op ted for case-by-case evaluation) disapprove of even this form of therapy (p = 0.04). Most people remain fearful of germ-line therapy, but significantl y more men (23%) than women (16%) support the development of genetic engine ering for manipulating human germ-line cells (p = 0.04). There are no signi ficant differences between male and female respondents with respect to gene tic manipulation to correct inborn errors of metabolism or fetal deformity. The results of this study support the view that women tend to be more caut ious than men with respect to acceptance of novel genetically-based procedu res aimed at altering pregnancy outcome and offspring phenotype. Gender-bas ed educational programs regarding the human genome project and human geneti c engineering may be warranted to promote concordant decision-making in fam ily planning and counseling.