Genome Technology & Reproduction - values & public policy

This project represents a unique effort to give segments of the public an advance look at the emerging genetics technology, to learn from lay and professional communities how they feel about that technology, and to work with these communities in formulating laws, institutional policies, professional standards of practice, and applications to clinical decision-making. An instrument, to be called the Genetics Values History, will be developed for the use of health care professionals and their patients for making reproductive decisions. While input will be incorporated from ethics experts and law/policy makers, policy recommendations regarding the use of this emerging technology will be grounded in the wide and diverse views of the public and the health care delivery system. The project will focus on the increasing ability to predict traits and predisposition to disease at ever-earlier stages of pregnancy and prior to conception, and the use of the emerging technology in connection with reproductive decisions. The project proposes to develop a process for policy formulation including careful measurements of attitudes and values of the public and subgroups (patients, minorities, women, professionals, etc.) Dissemination activities will include a conference for policy-makers and the public, as well as involvement with various health, law, and medical ethics professional groups. Publications will be directed to both professional and policy making audiences through relevant journals.