Suspicion of scientists clouds support of genetics research: public opinion studies.(Clinical Rounds)

LOS ANGELES -- Americans enthusiastically support using genetic technology to prevent or cure disease, but voice a profound skepticism that scientists can be trusted to use genetic discoveries wisely.

Specifically, a nationwide study comprising 21 focus groups and a telephone survey of demographically diverse black Americans revealed a deep-seated fear that genetics will be used to promote class disparities, racism, and stereotypes.

Results of both studies, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Human Genetics, reflect attitudes among some Americans that scientists are driven by greed and power rather than by the betterment of humankind.

The first study, conducted by Johns Hopkins University's Genetics and Public Policy Center in Washington, grew out of a nationwide telephone survey of public attitudes about genetic research. Focus groups were convened in Boston, Los Angeles, Denver, Detroit, and Nashville, Tenn.

Center director Kathy Hudson, Ph.D., explained that the groups were asked to discuss scenarios involving carrier testing, prenatal testing, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, gene transfer, and sex selection.

"Focus groups were quite supportive of reproductive genetic technologies being advanced and studied and researched and made available to prevent severe disease," she said.

Individuals and families--not outsiders--should make "morally-laden" decisions, focus group members said.