Abstract
Debates continue about which conditions are ‘serious enough’ to warrant the use of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). Most individuals find it acceptable to offer PGD for highly penetrant, early onset conditions that have few or no treatment options. (HFEA, 2006). The Practice Committee of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (2008) published a report stating PGD is also indicated for couples who carry BRCA mutations where a significant increased risk for disease is present. Quinn et al. (2008) found that BRCA high risk individuals identified genetic counselors as the preferred professionals with who to discuss reproductive options, yet little data exist regarding the opinions of genetic counselors on this matter. The purpose of this project, therefore, was to assess genetic counselors’ knowledge of and attitudes toward offering PGD for BRCA mutation carriers. We recruited genetic counselors for participation in an online, anonymous survey and received 147 completed surveys. The questions focused on knowledge of, and opinions about PGD, with a specific emphasis on the use of PGD for BRCA mutation carriers. Whether or not an individual was morally comfortable offering PGD to BRCA mutation carriers significantly influenced other responses. Most respondents felt that counselors have a duty to inform (62.6%) BRCA patients about this reproductive option and that PGD should be discussed with every BRCA mutation carrier of reproductive age (60.4%). Respondents were more in favor of professional regulation of PGD (79.6%) than governmental regulation (25.9%). Regardless of a counselor’s personal beliefs or biases, most of the respondents seem to be practicing in line with the NSGC code of ethics.