OBJECTIVE: To identify underlying beliefs and values shaping Americans' opinions about
the appropriate use of new reproductive genetic technologies (RGTs), including
preimplantation genetic diagnosis, hypothetical genetic modification, and sperm sorting for
sex selection. DESIGN: Scenarios with ethical dilemmas presented to 21 focus groups
organized by sex, race/ethnicity, religion, age, education, and parental status. SETTING: A
city in each state: California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Tennessee …

Regardless of demographic characteristics, focus group participants considered six key
factors when determining the appropriateness of using RGTs:[1] whether embryos would be
destroyed;[2] the nature of the disease or trait being avoided or sought;[3] technological
control over" natural" reproduction;[4] the value of suffering, disability, and difference;[5] the
importance of having genetically related children; and [6] the kind of future people desire or
fear.