The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41096

Dorothy C. Wertz, PhD, Social Science, Ethics, and Law, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Shriver Division, 200 Trapelo Road, Waltham, MA 02452, 781-642-0292, Dorothy.Wertz@umassmed.edu

This study examined personal attitudes toward abortion for genetic conditions. Anonymous questionnaires were distributed to 1583 US genetics professionals, 852 primary care physicians, 3343 geneticists in 35 other nations, 718 genetics patients in North America, 906 in Germany, 300 in France and 1000 US public, asking whether they would abort for 19 genetic conditions, 3 infections, and 2 maternal situations. 2906 (63%) geneticists, 499 (59%) primary care physicians, 476 (67%) North American, 593 (65%) German, 223 (67%) French patients, and 988 (99%) US public responded. Majorities of geneticists would abort for 9 conditions, including Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis; 29% would abort for obesity. Personal views were related to counseling approaches. Most French and German patients would abort for most conditions; most US patients and public would not. These differences may affect counseling.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn how the personal views of professionals who provide genetic counseling differ from those of patients and primary care physicians, and how personal views may affect patient care. Participants will also learn about views on possible abortion laws. After the session, they should have a more informed approach to public policy and patient interactions.

Keywords: Abortion, Genetics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.