• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Public opinion: DNA a 'good thing'

Healthcare Strategist Trend Watch, September 1, 2006

The public is almost unanimous in its opinions on the science of genetics and the use of DNA, according to a new Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Healthcare Poll. While only 5% of all adults have ever had a genetic test to study their DNA, the vast majority of U.S. adults (93%) feel that genetic science is a good thing, and few (only 1%) feel it is a bad thing. Furthermore, most adults are supportive of using genetic information for purposes such as to identify criminals (93%) and to treat disease (87%).

The survey of 3,091 U.S. adults, conducted between August 10 and 14, 2006, found most strongly or somewhat support the use of genetic information for:

· Research by scientists to find new ways to prevent or treat diseases (91%)

· Genetic testing by doctors to identify diseases for which people are at risk (88%)

· Genetic therapy to treat people who have, or are likely to get, a particular disease (87%)

· Screening potential parents for inherited diseases or genetic weaknesses at fertility clinics (72%)

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive