This page offers comparisons of survey results for three technologies: reproductive cloning, research cloning, and inheritable genetic modification.  Clearly, the results vary due to the wording of the questions, populations surveyed, and dates. However, these summaries can reveal some consistent sentiments, as well as how people react to particular words and phrases. Some of the questions have been slightly paraphrased but the verbatim text of the questions, and complete survey reports, can be found by clicking on the links in the 'Conductor' column. Not all results were readily available, and are indicated by a hyphen. (Polls on animal technologies are summarized here.)

The Center for Genetics and Society compiled and analyzed the results of over 50 major public opinion surveys concerning the new human genetic technologies conducted between 1987 and 2011. The results are broken down below.

Narrative Overview

Opinions about reproductive cloning

Opinions about research cloning

Opinions about inheritable genetic modification (IGM)

Quantitative Display

Data on reproductive cloning

Data on research cloning

Data on inheritable genetic modification

Detailed Survey Results

Opinions about Reproductive Cloning

Residents of North America and Europe—the populations most often surveyed—consistently oppose reproductive cloning by majorities of 80% to 90%.

Sentiments among opponents of reproductive cloning are more strongly felt and less likely to change than are those among supporters. Only a small portion of the opposition to cloning is based on perceptions of its physical danger. More often people cite beliefs that it is "morally wrong," "interferes with human distinctiveness and individuality," "could be used for questionable purposes like breeding a superior race," or conflicts with their religious beliefs.

Opposition to reproductive cloning is generally consistent across political persuasions, but—like concern over most other human genetic technologies—increases among women, parents, and minorities, and with age and religious conviction. It decreases with education and income.

Opinions about Research Cloning

Opinions on research cloning are generally negative, but survey results vary depending on the phrasing of the question. Although most indicate that a slight majority of Americans oppose research cloning, opinion is difficult to gauge because the technologies and terminology are not well understood. Not surprisingly, opposition weakens to the extent that the survey questions emphasize saving lives and curing disease, and downplay cloning itself.

Two surveys conducted in the highly politicized American climate in April 2002 illustrate the malleability of the results. A poll sponsored by the conservative anti-choice organization Stop Human Cloning indicated that 59% of Americans oppose the creation of human embryos for medical research, whereas one by the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (which supports research cloning) suggested that 68% support using the technology to create stem cells that may ultimately treat certain diseases.

Opinions about Inheritable Genetic Modification (IGM)

Similarly, public opinion on IGM is difficult to assess because of the ambiguity of some of the questions and the terminology used. For example, 92% of Americans oppose using cloning technology to create genetically superior human beings, yet a 1987 survey (the most recent official U.S. government investigation) found that 44% approved of genetically improving children's intelligence or physical characteristics. And as with research cloning, opposition to IGM decreases with increased emphasis on therapy and cures for disease, and increases with emphasis on its non-medical uses.

Reproductive cloning

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Research cloning

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Inheritable genetic modification
(also sex selection and some related issues)

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