Large majority thinks using gene editing to reduce disease risk in babies would lead to some morally unacceptable uses | Pew Research Center

March 14, 2022

7. Americans are closely divided over editing a baby’s genes to reduce serious health risk

Large majority thinks using gene editing to reduce disease risk in babies would lead to some morally unacceptable uses

Large majority thinks using gene editing to reduce disease risk in babies would lead to some morally unacceptable uses

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Large majority thinks using gene editing to reduce disease risk in babies would lead to some morally unacceptable uses

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7. Americans are closely divided over editing a baby’s genes to reduce serious health risk
Public divided over societal impact of using gene editing for babies to reduce risk of disease
Americans divided over whether they would want gene editing to reduce risk of disease for their own baby
Highly religious adults more likely to see gene editing to reduce a baby’s risk of developing disease as a bad idea than good idea for society
Public divided over whether gene editing to reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or conditions would improve people’s quality of life
Majority of highly religious adults see gene editing to reduce a baby’s risk of developing disease as meddling with nature
Large majority thinks using gene editing to reduce disease risk in babies would lead to some morally unacceptable uses
55% of U.S. adults say widespread use of gene editing to reduce disease risk in babies would lead to more income inequality
Large majority says gene editing techniques should be tested using higher standards than other treatments
Most U.S. adults say medical scientists should play a major role setting standards for gene editing
Public roughly divided over bigger concern regarding government regulation of gene editing techniques
About half of U.S. adults say gene editing would be more acceptable under certain scenarios
Majorities favor use of gene editing to treat diseases, oppose its use to enhance a baby’s attractiveness