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Attitudes of women of reproductive age to in vitro fertilization and embryo research

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

Elizabeth M. Alder ,
David T. Baird ,
Martin M. Lees ,
Dennis W. Lincoln ,
Nancy B. Loudon  and
Allan A. Templeton
Elizabeth M. Alder
Affiliation:
MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh
David T. Baird
Affiliation:
University Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Edinburgh
Martin M. Lees
Affiliation:
Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh
Dennis W. Lincoln
Affiliation:
MRC Reproductive Biology Unit, Edinburgh
Nancy B. Loudon
Affiliation:
Family Planning Centre, Dean Terrace, Edinburgh
Allan A. Templeton
Affiliation:
University Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Edinburgh
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Summary

The attitudes of women of reproductive age to IVF therapy and human embryo research were investigated. A questionnaire was given to 1920 consecutive women attending clinics for family planning (1050), ante-natal care (705) and infertility (165). This paper reports the analysis of 1701 returned questionnaires, all from women of reproductive age. The great majority (94%) were in favour of IVF treatment. Sixty-seven percent approved of research on human embryos up to 14 days to improve IVF treatment, and a further 10% supported research on embryos designed to avoid birth defects. The majority (79%) thought women should be allowed to donate ova for research. The social characteristics of the infertility group were similar to those of the ante-natal group except for lower parity. In the family planning and ante-natal groups attitudes were not related to age, social class or parity, but were influenced by religious beliefs.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 18 , Issue 2 , April 1986 , pp. 155 - 167
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1986

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