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. 2021 Mar 12;16(1):130.
doi: 10.1186/s13023-021-01754-z.

First French study relative to preconception genetic testing: 1500 general population participants' opinion

Valérie Bonneau  1   2 , Mathilde Nizon  3 , Xenia Latypova  3 , Aurélie Gaultier  4 , Eugénie Hoarau  1   2 , Stéphane Bézieau  3 , Guy Minguet  5 , Mauro Turrini  6 , Maud Jourdain #  1   2 , Bertrand Isidor #  7
Affiliations

First French study relative to preconception genetic testing: 1500 general population participants' opinion

Valérie Bonneau et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Until very recently, preconception genetic testing was only conducted in particular communities, ethnic groups or families for which an increased risk of genetic disease was identified. To detect in general population a risk for a couple to have a child affected by a rare, recessive or X-linked, genetic disease, carrier screening is proposed in several countries. We aimed to determine the current public opinion relative to this approach in France, using either a printed or web-based questionnaire.

Results: Among the 1568 participants, 91% are favorable to preconception genetic tests and 57% declare to be willing to have the screening if the latter is available. A medical prescription by a family doctor or a gynecologist would be the best way to propose the test for 73%, with a reimbursement from the social security insurance. However, 19% declare not to be willing to use the test because of their ethic or moral convictions, and the fear that the outcome would question the pregnancy. Otherwise, most participants consider that the test is a medical progress despite the risk of an increased medicalization of the pregnancy.

Conclusion: This first study in France highlights a global favorable opinion for the preconception genetic carrier testing under a medical prescription and a reimbursement by social security insurance. Our results emphasize as well the complex concerns underpinned by the use of this screening strategy. Therefore, the ethical issues related to these tests include the risk of eugenic drift mentioned by more than half of the participants.

Keywords: Expanded carrier screening; Preconception genetic testing; Reproductive medicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Box diagram of the ages of the participants. The diagram shows the median observation and values falling outside the 25th and 75th percentile are plotted as outliers. b Distribution of the sample by professional category
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Reasons given by participants opposed to the test. b Distribution of the choice of test access modality
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
a Distribution of answers to question 5: If you had access to this test when you had a child project, which proposal would suit you best? b Distribution of answers to question 9: If the test showed that your couple has a risk of ¼ each pregnancy to have a child with a serious genetic disorder, which of the following would most closely match your attitude?
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Distribution of answers to question 7: Do you agree with the following proposals?
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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