CGS Summary of Public Opinion Polls

This page displays the results of more than 60 major public opinion surveys about four categories of emerging human biotechnologies: human genetic modification, human reproductive cloning, and embryonic stem cell research and research cloning. (Polls on animal technologies are summarized here.) The Center for Genetics and Society has compiled and analyzed these results, which are based on surveys conducted between 1987 and 2021. 

Following brief narrative notes about each category, a tabular listing of the surveys in each category is shown. The surveys are organized by date, with the most recent in each category first. The date shown is when the survey was taken, when available; otherwise, the date of publication.

When feasible, there are six columns: Date, Population, Conducted by, Question, Approve, Disapprove. The last two sometimes combine such answers as Definitely and Probably into Approve, etc. Totals may not add up to 100, since Don’t Know and similar responses are frequently omitted. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the last three columns are sometimes combined.

Results vary due to the wording of the questions, populations surveyed, and dates. However, these summaries reveal some consistent sentiments, as well as showing how people react to particular words and phrases.

Some of the questions have been paraphrased for display purposes. Verbatim text of the questions, and complete survey reports, can generally be found by clicking on the links in the ‘Conducted by’ column. Not all results were available, typically because only approval or only disapproval was reported; missing data is indicated by a hyphen.

Quantitative Display

Data on heritable human genome editing (HGE)

Data on reproductive cloning

Data on research cloning and embryonic stem cell research


Opinions about Heritable Human Genome Editing

The main focus in this section is on heritable genetic modification (also called human germline modification or reproductive gene editing), though it also includes some results concerning somatic gene editing (gene therapy) and some other issues such as sex selection. 

Public opinion on heritable genome editing (HGE) has always been difficult to assess because of the ambiguity of some of the questions and the terminology used in survey instruments. In general, opposition to HGE decreases with increased emphasis on therapy and cures for disease, and increases with emphasis on non-medical uses. 

Opinion on IGM has been studied since at least 1986, but interest in the issue grew markedly for a while after the 2000 publication of the first full draft of a human genome. The next major spike in attention came in the mid 2010s with the development and research application of modern gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas9, and the announcement in late 2018 that a Chinese scientist claimed to have 

Scientific, media, and policy discussion of IGM has continued growing since 2015. Polling generally still indicates much greater support for therapy than for enhancement applications. Some recent responses seem to indicate considerable confusion among respondents. A poll conducted in 2017 for the Royal Society, for example, unusually showed greater support for germline than for somatic interventions.

Polls that register the opinions of sub-groups, divided by religion, gender, education etc., usually show variations between groups (as in the 2018 Pew survey). Women and the devout tend to view IGM with less approval than do men and those most familiar with the science.

Opinions about Human Reproductive Cloning

Respondents from North America and Europe—the populations most often surveyed—consistently oppose human reproductive cloning by large majorities, with opposition generally above 80%.

Sentiments among opponents of human reproductive cloning are more strongly felt and seem 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 human 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 and Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Opinions on research cloning were frequently surveyed between 1998 and 2010, since for much of that period cloning was seen as essential to embryonic stem-cell research. As the issue became politicized, some polls showed contradictory results, but generally a slight majority of Americans opposed research cloning.

In recent years, research cloning has become less relevant, largely because of scientific advances, notably the development of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be made to be disease-specific or patient-specific but do not require the creation of embryos. Gallup, for instance, no longer asks specifically about research cloning, but continues to ask about “medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos,” which in 2021 was considered morally acceptable by 64–34, a proportion that has been stable for several years.

 


Inheritable genetic modification
(and some related issues)

Date

Population

Conducted by

Question

Approve

Disapprove

Mar 2022 UK Ipsos for PET Genome editing of embryos for research 45 17
Mar 2022 UK Ipsos for PET 14-day limit for genome editing of embryos 56 too short 13;
too long 9
Mar 2022 UK Ipsos for PET Genome editing of embryos to help eliminate a severe or life-threatening condition 53 13
Mar 2022 UK Ipsos for PET Genome editing of embryos to help eliminate a common manageable condition 36 24
Mar 2022 UK Ipsos for PET Genome editing of embryos  to help ensure child has a particular characteristic (eye or hair colour, height etc) 20 49
Feb 2022 UK YouGov

This is an online Tracker Poll conducted six times since August 2019, with similar results; the most recent is listed. 

Would Brits consider or approve of using gene editing ... 

to prevent passing on hereditary genetic disorders? Yes (78)

if they risk passing on a genetic disorder to future children? Yes (45)

to change people’s appearance? No (76)

to change their future children's appearance? Yes (43)

to make people more intelligent? No (71)

to make their future children more intelligent? Yes (34)

Nov 2021 Americans Pew How much have you heard or read about using gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime? A lot (8), a little (47), nothing at all (44)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew Do you think the widespread use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime would be a… Good idea for society (30), bad idea for society (30), not sure (39)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew If gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime were available, is this something you would want? Yes, definitely (16), yes, probably (32), no, probably not (25), no, definitely not (24)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew If the use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime becomes widespread, do you think each of the following would happen?

Some would use it in morally unacceptable ways: Definitely (45), probably (39), probably not (9), definitely not (5)

These techniques would help people live longer and better lives: Definitely (13), probably (52), probably not (23), definitely not (9)

They would pave the way for medical advances that benefit society as a whole: Definitely (16), probably (51), probably not (22), definitely not (8)

These techniques would go too far eliminating natural differences between people in society: Definitely (24), probably (44), probably not (22), definitely not (7)

Nov 2021 Americans Pew If the use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime becomes widespread, how would you feel? Humans always try to better ourselves (46); this is meddling with nature and crosses a line we shouldn’t (52)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew If the use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime becomes widespread, do you think most parents would… feel pressure to get this for their baby (73); not feel pressure (25)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew If the use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime becomes widespread, do you think people’s quality of life would be … better than now (39); worse than now (18); about the same (40)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew If the use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime becomes widespread, do you think it would ... increase the gap between higher and lower-income Americans (55); decrease the gap (8); not make much difference (35)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew

How much of a role do you think each of the following groups should have in setting standards for how gene editing techniques are used?

Federal govt: Major (41), minor (31), no role (26)

Companies that develop tech: Mayor (44), minor (35), no role (19)

People who get them: Major (55), minor (29), no role (15)

Scientists who provide them: Major (67), minor (21), no role (10)

Nov 2021 Americans Pew If the use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of developing serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime becomes widespread, which is your greater concern? Govt will go too far in regulating (47); govt will not go far enough (51)
Nov 2021 Americans Pew

Which statement comes closer to your views when it comes to ensuring safety and effectiveness of gene editing techniques?

Gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of serious diseases or health conditions should be tested using ... existing medical standards (17); a higher standard (80)

Nov 2021 Americans Pew

Would the use of gene editing to greatly reduce a baby’s risk of serious diseases or health conditions over their lifetime be more or less acceptable, or would it make no difference if ...

People could choose which diseases or conditions: More (49), less (15), no difference (34)

The effects were NOT passed on to future generations: More (48), less (16), no difference (34)

Gene editing were only used in adults, not babies: More (53), less (11), no difference (34)

Nov 2021 Americans Pew

Would you favor or oppose the use of gene editing for each of the following purposes?

To change a baby’s physical characteristics to make them more attractive: Favor (5), oppose (74), not sure (20)

To treat serious diseases or health conditions that a person currently has: Favor (71), oppose (10), not sure (18)

April 2020 Dutch DNA-dialogue Editing embryo to prevent severe muscle disease (if safe & effective) 69 14
April 2020 Dutch DNA-dialogue Editing embryo to prevent severe infectious disease, e.g. HIV (if safe & effective) 40 33
April 2020 Dutch DNA-dialogue Editing embryo to increase intelligence (if safe & effective) 9 72
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 20 Nations Pew Is scientific research on gene editing to change people's genetic characteristics appropriate or misusing technology? [average] 31 60
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 Americans Pew Is scientific research on gene editing to change people's genetic characteristics appropriate or misusing technology? 29 66
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 20 Nations Pew Is it appropriate or misusing technology to change a baby’s genetic characteristics to make the baby more intelligent? [average] 19 60
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 Americans Pew Is it appropriate or misusing technology to change a baby’s genetic characteristics to make the baby more intelligent? 17 80
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 20 Nations Pew Is it appropriate or misusing technology to change a baby’s genetic characteristics to reduce the risk of a serious disease over the course of the baby's lifetime? [average] 61 31
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 Americans Pew Is it appropriate or misusing technology to change a baby’s genetic characteristics to reduce the risk of a serious disease over the course of the baby's lifetime? 57 38
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 20 Nations Pew Is it appropriate or misusing technology to change a baby’s genetic characteristics to treat a serious disease the baby would have at birth? [average] 70 23
Oct 2019 to Mar 2020 Americans Pew Is it appropriate or misusing technology to change a baby’s genetic characteristics to treat a serious disease the baby would have at birth? 66 30
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Changing an unborn baby’s genes to prevent incurable disease such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s 71 16
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Changing an unborn baby’s genes to prevent a non-fatal condition, such as blindness 65 19
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Changing an unborn baby’s genes to reduce the risk of disease such as cancer, later in life 67 18
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Changing an unborn baby’s genes to alter capabilities, such as intelligence or athletic talent 12 69
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Changing an unborn baby’s genes to alter physical features, such as eye color or height 10 72
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Favor federal funding for testing on human embryos to develop gene-editing [Republicans 17–61; Independents 17–49; Democrats 38–37] 26 48
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Editing the genes of a developing embryo to prevent incurable disease such as cystic fibrosis or Huntington’s 60 17
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Editing the genes of a developing embryo to prevent a non-fatal condition, such as blindness 54 19
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Editing the genes of a developing embryo to reduce the risk of disease such as cancer, later in life 58 17
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Editing the genes of a developing embryo to alter capabilities, such as intelligence or athletic talent 11 66
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Editing the genes of a developing embryo to alter physical features, such as eye color or height 8 65
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Editing genes of embryos would ... be affordable (likely/unlikely) 22 76
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC ... wipe out many inherited diseases (likely/unlikely) 75 23
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC ... be used for unethical reasons (likely/unlikely) 88 11
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC ... lead to other medical advances (likely/unlikely) 87 12
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC ... have unintended side effects (likely/unlikely) 88 12
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC ... be adequately tested for safety before use (likely/unlikely) 63 35
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC ... have unintended effects on human evolution (likely/unlikely) 86 12
Dec 2018 Americans AP/NORC Gene editing could prevent or cure a genetic disease in an adult without changes being inherited 56 17
Sept 2018 UK New Scientist The survey describes "hopes" for genetic engineering: cure or eliminate disease, 80%; better food, 47%; improve human capacities such as intelligence, 45%.
April/May 2018 Americans Pew Changing an unborn baby’s genetic characteristics to make a baby more intelligent 19 80
April/May 2018 Americans Pew Changing an unborn baby’s genetic characteristics to reduce the risk of a serious disease that could occur over the baby's lifetime 60 38
April/May 2018 Americans Pew Changing an unborn baby’s genetic characteristics to treat a serious disease or condition that the baby would have at birth 72 27
April/May 2018 Americans Pew How well do you think medical researchers understand the health risks and benefits of changing a baby’s genetic characteristics?: Very well (7), fairly well (29) Not too well (45), not at all well (17)
April/May 2018 Americans Pew Even if gene editing is used appropriately in some cases, others will use these techniques in ways that are morally unacceptable: Very likely (54), fairly likely (32) Not too likely (9), not at all likely (3)
April/May 2018 Americans Pew These techniques will help people live longer and better quality lives: Very likely (16), fairly likely (48) Not too likely (27), not at all likely (8)
April/May 2018 Americans Pew We will use these techniques before we fully understand how they affect people’s health: Very likely (46), fairly likely (38) Not too likely (12), not at all likely (3)
April/May 2018 Americans Pew Inequality will increase because this option will be available only for the wealthy: Very likely (58), fairly likely (29) Not too likely (9), not at all likely (4)
April/May 2018 Americans Pew Development of these techniques will pave the way for new medical advances that benefit society as a whole: Very likely (18), fairly likely (42) Not too likely (30), not at all likely (8)
Nov 2017 UK Royal Society Using genome editing to correct a genetic disorder so that the correction would also be inherited by any children of that person: Very positive (43), somewhat positive (33), somewhat negative (10), very negative (4), don't know (10)
Nov 2017 UK Royal Society Using genome editing to correct a genetic disorder in a way that would not be inherited by any children of that person: Very positive (32), somewhat positive (39), somewhat negative (13), very negative (4), don't know (11)
Nov 2017 UK Royal Society Using genome editing for prolonging life beyond current life expectancies: Very positive (15), somewhat positive (39), somewhat negative (22), very negative (12), don't know (12)
Nov 2017 UK Royal Society Using genome editing for cosmetic reasons (e.g. changing a person's eye or hair colour): Very positive (7), somewhat positive (17), somewhat negative (18), very negative (50), don't know (8)
Nov 2017 UK Royal Society Using genome editing to enhance abilities (e.g. changing a person’s intelligence): Very positive (10), somewhat positive (22), somewhat negative (25), very negative (35), don't know (8)
Nov 2017 11 countries G. Gaskell et al. Data from 11,716 people responding to four vignettes about gene editing, described in text as: favoring intervention for therapy on adults, 76%; for "prenatal therapy," 60%; adult enhancement, 26%; prenatal enhancement, 11% (with a median of 0). There are some national variations; the US, UK and Spain are less negative than others on enhancement.
2016–7 Americans U. Wisconsin & YouGov Germline enhancement 26 51
2016–7 Americans U. Wisconsin & YouGov Germline therapy 65 18
2016–7 Americans U. Wisconsin & YouGov Somatic enhancement 39 35
2016–7 Americans U. Wisconsin & YouGov Somatic therapy 64 19
2016–7 Americans U. Wisconsin & YouGov Agree that scientists should consult the public before applying gene editing to humans: over 50% support from all groups, 70% from the most religious, 74% from the most knowledgeable
2016–7 Americans U. Wisconsin & YouGov Agree that the scientific community is capable of guiding development of new technologies in a responsible way: varies from 30% to 70%, with the most religious and least knowledgeable being most skeptical
Mar 2016 Americans Pew If you had a baby, do you think gene-editing, giving a much reduced risk of serious diseases and conditions over his or her lifetime, is something that you, personally, would want for your baby or not something you would want for your baby? Definitely want (16), probably (32), probably not (28), definitely not (21), no answer (2)
Mar 2016 Americans Pew Gene-editing giving healthy babies a much reduced risk of serious diseases and conditions, morally acceptable/unacceptable 28 30
Mar 2016 Americans Pew If you had a baby, do you think gene-editing, giving a much reduced risk of serious diseases and conditions over his or her lifetime, is something that you, personally, would want for your baby or not something you would want for your baby? Definitely want (16), probably (32), probably not (28), definitely not (21), no answer (2)
Mar 2016 Americans Pew Would gene-editing, giving healthy babies a much reduced risk of serious diseases and conditions, be more or less acceptable if the effects were not passed on to future generations? More (34), less (23), no difference (40), no answer (3)
Mar 2016 Americans Pew Would gene-editing, giving healthy babies a much reduced risk of serious diseases and conditions, be more or less acceptable if it changed the genetic make-up of the whole population for the foreseeable future? More (17), less (49), no difference (31), no answer (3)
Jan 2016 Americans Harvard & Stat Changing genes of unborn babies to improve intelligence or physical characteristics 11 83
Jan 2016 Americans Harvard & Stat Changing genes of unborn babies to reduce risk of serious disease 26 65
Jan 2016 Americans Harvard & Stat Federal funding of research on changing genes of unborn babies to improve intelligence or physical characteristics 14 82
Jan 2016 Americans Harvard & Stat Federal funding of research on changing genes of unborn babies to reduce risk of serious disease 44 51
2015 Global via social media [11 languages] Australian academics [12562 responses from 185 countries (half from US, UK, Japan or China), skewing young & male.] How much do you agree with the use of genetic editing of cells in children or adults to cure a life threatening [also, debilitating, essentially same results] disease? This means the disease could still be passed on to their children. Agree (59), disagree (10), don't know (31).
2015 Global via social media [11 languages] Australian academics How much do you agree with the use of genetic editing of cells in embryos to cure a life threatening [also, debilitating, essentially same results] disease? This means that all future generations would not have the disease. Agree (63), disagree (12), don't know (26).
2015 Global via social media [11 languages] Australian academics How much do you agree with the use of genetic editing of cells in embryos to alter any non-disease characteristic – such as memory, eye colour or height? This would mean that all subsequent generations would have the same genetic characteristics. Agree (27), disagree (43), don't know (30).
May 2015 Americans Hart/Synthetic Biology Project New techniques can make precise and permanent changes and are passed down from a parent organism to future generations. Positive development (18), negative (12), both (43), don't know enough (27). When pressed, positive (20), negative (18), mixed feelings (62)
May 2015 Americans Hart/Synthetic Biology Project Support for a moratorium on human applications? Favor (72; 27 strongly, 18 somewhat, 27 undecided but leaning); oppose (28; 6 strongly, 6 somewhat, 16 undecided but leaning)
Aug 2014 Americans Pew Changing a baby's genetic characteristics to make the baby more intelligent 15 83
Aug 2014 American men Pew Changing a baby's genetic characteristics to make the baby more intelligent - 78
Aug 2014 American women Pew Changing a baby's genetic characteristics to make the baby more intelligent - 87
Aug 2014 Americans Pew Changing a baby's genetic characteristics to reduce the risk of serious diseases 46 50
Jan 2014 Americans YouGov Research to produce children with unusually high intelligence or other special attributes 16 72
Jan 2014 Americans YouGov How worried are you that scientific research into human or animal DNA might lead to scientists "playing god" with things that should remain outside the realm of science? Very (35), somewhat (37), not very (15), not at all (4), not sure (10)
Oct 2013 Australians Roy Morgan Selecting gender of any child 17 80
Oct 2013 Australians Roy Morgan Selecting gender of 2nd or later child 20 80
May 2010 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 15 80
Dec 2008 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 17 78
Dec 2007 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 16 81
Nov 2006 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 17 79
Sept 2005 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 15 81
Aug 2005 UK YouGov Allow scientists to modify babies' genes? On demand (2), reduce disease risk (26), prevent serious disease (43, never (20), don't know (8)
Aug 2005 UK YouGov Modify your own future children? To reduce disease risk (43), prevent serious disease(57), improve academics or sports (4), other reasons (3), never (18), don't know (9)
Aug 2005 UK YouGov PGD to choose donors for sibling 58 22
Aug 2005 UK YouGov PGD on embryos 51 30
Aug 2005 UK YouGov Sex selection 14 77
May 2005 Americans 18–45 Dahl et al. Would use a hypothetical sex selection pill 18 59
May 2005 Americans 18–45 Dahl et al. Would use preconception sex selection technology 8 74
Sept 2003 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 13 84
Sept 2003 Americans VCU Life Sciences Changing a baby's genes to reduce risk of serious disease acceptable? 41 54
Sept 2003 Americans VCU Life Sciences Changing a baby's genes for eye or hair color acceptable? 4 94

April 2003

Australians

Biotechnology Australia

Correction of genetic disorders for embryos: morally acceptable?

79

-

Late 2002

Brazilians

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

-

82

Late 2002

Danes

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

-

97

Late 2002

Mexicans

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

-

76

Late 2002

Poles

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

~18

~67

Late 2002

Taiwanese

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

-

~67

Late 2002

Turks

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

43

53

Late 2002

UK

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

-

92

Late 2002

Americans

Discovery Channel

Parents should be allowed to use gene technology to 'design' a baby to satisfy their personal, cultural or aesthetic desires

-

87

October 2002

Americans

Genetics and Public Policy Center

Approve if parents offered way to change their own genes in order to have children who would be smarter, stronger, or better looking?

20

76

October 2002

Americans

Genetics and Public Policy Center

Approve if parents offered way to change their own genes in order to prevent their children from having a genetic disease?

59

34

Sept 2002 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 16 81
Sept 2002 Americans VCU Life Sciences Changing a baby's genes for eye or hair color acceptable? 18 79

2002

Australians

Biotechnology Australia

Correction of genetic disorders for embryos: morally acceptable?

74

-

Aug / Sept 2001 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 14 82

Feb 2001

Americans

Time / CNN

Does creating genetically superior human beings justify creating a human clone or don't you think so?

6

92

Fall 2000

Scots

System Three

Are opposed to the creation of "designer babies" for any reason other than to stop hereditary illnesses.

 -

~90

Fall 2000

Scots

System Three

are prepared to accept "born-to-order" babies for medical reasons

42

  -

March 2000

Canadians

Pricewater-houseCoopers

Find genetic engineering to change the eye colour or other physical features of an unborn child unacceptable.

-

74

March 2000

Canadians

Pricewater-houseCoopers

Find it acceptable for scientists to use biotechnology to cure an inherited medical condition or to decrease the risk of illness.

> 50

  -

1996

Americans

NCGR

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to prevent/stop children from inheriting a usually nonfatal disease?

72

 -

1996

Americans

NCGR

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to improve the physical characteristics children would inherit?

35

-

1994

Japanese

Macer

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to prevent/stop children from inheriting a usually nonfatal disease?

62

-

1994

Japanese

Macer

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to improve the physical characteristics children would inherit?

28

-

1994

Australians

Macer

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to prevent/stop children from inheriting a usually nonfatal disease?

79

-

1994

Australians

Macer

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to improve the physical characteristics children would inherit?

28

 -

Dec 1993

Americans

Time / CNN

Do you approve or disapprove of the use of genetic engineering to make it possible for nations to produce large numbers of individuals with genetically desirable traits?

8

88

1992

Americans

March of Dimes

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to prevent/stop children from inheriting a usually nonfatal disease?

66

32

1992

Americans

March of Dimes

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to improve the physical characteristics children would inherit?

43

54

1986

Americans

OTA

How do you feel about scientists changing the makeup of human cells to improve the physical characteristics children would inherit?

44

54

Back to Top


Reproductive cloning

Date

Population

Conducted by

Question

Approve

Disapprove

May 2022 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 11 85
May 2021 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 13 86
May 2020 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 12 85
May 2019 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 12 85
May 2018 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 16 81
May 2017 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 14 83
May 2016 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 13 81
May 2015 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 15 81
May 2014 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 13 83
May 2013 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 13 83
Jan 2013 Canada Angus Reid Human cloning: morally acceptable? 10 n/a
Jan 2013 Americans Angus Reid Human cloning: morally acceptable? 12 n/a
Jan 2013 UK Angus Reid Human cloning: morally acceptable? 9 n/a
Jan 2013 Americans YouGov Allow scientists to clone Neanderthal? 17 63
Jan 2013 Americans YouGov Clone Neanderthal with human surrogate mother? 15 66
Jan 2013 Americans YouGov Allow scientists to try cloning humans? 16 66
May 2012 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 10 86
May 2011 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 12 84
May 2010 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 15 80
May 2010 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 9 88
May 2009 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 9 88
Dec 2008 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 17 78
May 2008 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 11 85
Dec 2007 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 16 81
May 2007 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 11 86
Nov 2006 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 17 79
May 2006 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 8 88
Sept 2005 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 15 81
Aug 2005 UK YouGov Cloning legal (10) or allowed for infertile couples (20) vs. not in foreseeable future (30) or never (30)? 30 60
May 2005 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 9 87
Jan 2005 Australians Biotechnology Australia Cloning humans acceptable 11 86
Sept 2004 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 13 83
June 2004 Americans Charlton Research Allow research into reproductive cloning? 16 79
2004 UK Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 11 n/a
2004 Canadians Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 8 n/a
May 2004 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 9 88
Sept 2003 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 13 84
Aug 2003 American Teens Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 20 79
May 2003 Americans Gallup Human cloning: morally acceptable? 8 90

May 2003

Australians

Biotechnology Australia

Human cloning: morally acceptable?

-

87

Jan 2003

Americans

Gallup

Cloning designed specifically to produce a child should be (il)legal

11

86

Jan 2003

European Union 15

EOS Gallup Europe

Do you (dis)agree with reproductive cloning, meaning the identical reproduction of human beings?

5

93

Jan 2003

EU 13 candidate countries

EOS Gallup Europe

Do you (dis)agree with reproductive cloning, meaning the identical reproduction of human beings?

12

81

Jan 2003

Canadians

Leger Marketing

Are you for or against
the cloning of human beings?

5

84

Late 2002

Danes

Discovery Channel

Governments should ban cloning?

-

85

Late 2002

Mexicans

Discovery Channel

Governments should ban cloning?

-

~50

Late 2002

Taiwanese

Discovery Channel

Governments should ban cloning?

-

79

Late 2002

Turks

Discovery Channel

Governments should ban cloning?

-

~50

Late 2002

UK

Discovery Channel

Governments should ban cloning?

-

79

Late 2002

Americans

Discovery Channel

Governments should ban cloning?

22

77

October 2002

Americans

Genetics and Public Policy Center

Government should have regulations to limit the cloning of humans?

11

84

Sept 2002 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 16 81

May 2002

Americans

CBS News

Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?

11

85

May 2002

Americans

Gallup

Do you favor or oppose cloning that is designed specifically to result in the birth of a human being?

8

90

May 2002

Americans

Gallup

Is it morally acceptable or morally wrong to clone humans?

7

90

April 2002 Americans Gallup Favor or oppose a law prohibiting cloning humans? 40 53
April 2002 Americans Gallup Favor, oppose, or unsure (25%) about a law prohibiting cloning humans? 36 39

Feb / Mar 2002

Americans

Pew

Do you favor or oppose scientific experimentation on the cloning of human beings?

17

77

Feb 2002

Americans

Fox News

Do you think it is acceptable to use cloning to reproduce humans?

7

89

Jan 2002 Americans NBC / Wall Street Journal Favor an outright ban on the cloning of human beings? 54 39

2002

Australians

Biotechnology Australia

Human cloning: morally acceptable?

-

82

Nov / Dec 2001

Americans

Ipsos-Reid

Choose a preferred policy.

21

72

Nov 2001

Americans

CNN / USA Today / Gallup

Do you approve or disapprove of cloning that is designed specifically to result in the birth of a human being?

9

88

Aug / Sept 2001 Americans VCU Life Sciences Allow cloning or genetically altering of humans? 14 82

Aug 2001

Americans

ABC News

Do you think it should be legal or illegal to clone humans in the United States?

11

87

Aug 2001

Canadians

Leger Marketing

Are you for or against
the cloning of human beings?

8

89

July 2001

Americans

Zogby

Regarding cloning human beings, are you opposed or supportive?

8

90

May 2001 Americans Gallup Is it morally acceptable or morally wrong to clone humans? 7 88
April 2001 Americans Fox News

Do you think it is acceptable to use cloning to reproduce humans?

6 90

Feb 2001

Americans

Time / CNN

Good idea or bad idea to clone human beings?

7

90

Feb 2001

Americans

Time / CNN

Do you think scientists should be allowed to clone human beings or don't you think so?

10

88

March 2000

Canadians

Pricewater-houseCoopers

Are you opposed to scientists making a genetically identical copy of a human being?

-

90

1998 Americans Gallup Government's role in cloning: permanent ban (>50%); wait and see (27%); allow research to continue (16%)

Feb 1998

Canadians

CTV / Angus Reid

I think people should have the freedom, in the future, to clone themselves and have a baby exactly like themselves to raise as their own child.

12

87

Jan 1998 Americans Fox News Do you think it is acceptable to use cloning to reproduce humans? 6 89
Jan 1998 Americans NBC / Wall Street Journal Favor an outright ban on the cloning of human beings? 36 58
1998 Americans Yankelovich Partners Approve of use of cloning to have a twin at a later date? 13 86
Mar 1997 Americans Fox News Do you think it is acceptable to use cloning to reproduce humans? 5 89
Feb 1997 Americans CNN / USA Today / Gallup Human cloning would be morally wrong - 88
Feb 1997 Americans CNN / USA Today / Gallup If humans could ever be cloned, it would be a bad thing for humanity - 87
Feb 1997 Americans ABC If it becomes possible, should cloning of humans be allowed 10 87

1997

UK

Harris

Human cloning should never be allowed and all research should be stopped, or Cloning should be allowed when it becomes possible.

4

72

Dec 1993

Americans

Time / CNN

In general, do you think cloning is a good thing or a bad thing to do?

14

75

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Research cloning and embryonic stem cell research

Date

Population

Conducted by

Question

Approve

Disapprove

May 2022 Americans Gallup Medical research involving stem cells obtained from human embryos: morally acceptable? 63 34
May 2021 Americans Gallup Medical research involving stem cells obtained from human embryos: morally acceptable? 64 34
May 2020 Americans Gallup Medical research involving stem cells obtained from human embryos: morally acceptable? 66 31
May 2019 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 64 31
May 2018 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 66 29
April/May 2018 Americans Pew Research development of gene editing if it relies on embryonic testing 33 65
May 2017 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 61 33
May 2016 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 60 32
May 2015 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 64 29
May 2014 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 65 27
May 2013 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 60 32
May 2012 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 58 33
May 2011 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 62 30
May 2010 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease? 55 40
May 2010 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 59 32
May 2009 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 57 36
Dec 2008 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease? 52 47
May 2008 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 62 30
Dec 2007 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease? 47 47
May 2007 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 64 30
2007 Australians Biotechnology Australia Using stem cells cloned from the patient's own cells, acceptable? 91 7
Nov 2006 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease? 45 51
Nov 2006 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology to create human embryos that will provide stem cells for human therapeutic purposes? 35 57
May 2006 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 61 33
Sept 2005 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease? 43 51
Sept 2005 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology to create human embryos that will provide stem cells for human therapeutic purposes? 34 59
Aug 2005 UK YouGov ESCs from cloned embryos acceptable? Always (7), for medical but not cosmetic uses (27), to treat serious (25) diseases or only life-threatening (20); vs. never (9); don't know (11)
May 2005 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 60 33
Mar 2005 Massa-chusetts N.H. Survey Center Support stem-cell research using human embryos cloned in a laboratory 42 46
Sept 2004 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease? 42 56
June 2004 Americans Charlton Research Allow research into therapeutic cloning? 59 35
May 2004 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 54 37
Sept 2003 Americans VCU Life Sciences Morally acceptable to use human cloning technology in developing new treatments for disease? 36 53
Sept 2003 Americans VCU Life Sciences Use human cloning technology only to help medical research 50 48
May 2003 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 54 38

Jan 2003

European Union 15

EOS Gallup Europe

Do you (dis)agree with therapeutic cloning, meaning the identical reproduction of human cells?

55

43

Jan 2003

EU 13 candidate countries

EOS Gallup Europe

Do you (dis)agree with therapeutic cloning, meaning the identical reproduction of human cells?

44

47

Jan 2003

Canadians

Leger Marketing

Are you for or against the cloning of human embryos for the creation of stem cells that could be used in transplants, organ replacements or in the prevention or treatment of diseases that are presently incurable?

53

32

Jan 2003 Americans L.A. Times Support complete ban on cloning research (11); support ban except for research on cloned embryos to learn about diseases (41); oppose any law that restricts research into human cloning (43); don't know (5)
Jan 2003 Americans Gallup Should be allowed for research 38 59
Oct 2002 Canadians Ipsos-Reid Approve creation of cloned human embryos for the sole purpose of collecting stem cells to be used in research 61 37
Sept 2002 Americans VCU Life Sciences Use human cloning technology only to help medical research 45 51
May 2002 Americans Gallup Stem cell research using human embryos: morally acceptable? 52 39

May 2002

Americans

Gallup

Do you favor or oppose cloning of human embryos for use in medical research?

34

61

April 2002

Americans

Stop Human Cloning

Do you think it is wrong to create human embryos for medical research?

-

59

April 2002

Americans

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research

Favor the government allowing scientists to do therapeutic cloning research to produce stem cells for treating life-threatening diseases

68

26

April 2002

Americans

Americans to Ban Cloning

Do you agree with Bush's position?

29

63

April 2002

Americans

Americans to Ban Cloning

Agree with person 1 vs. 2.

26

59

Nov / Dec 2001

Americans

Ipsos-Reid

Choose a preferred policy.

60

33

Nov 2001

Americans

CNN / USA Today / Gallup

Do you approve or disapprove of cloning that is not designed specifically to result in the birth of a human being, but is designed to aid medical research that might find treatments for certain diseases?

54

41

Aug 2001

Americans

ABC News

Do you think human cloning for medical treatments should be legal or illegal in the United States?

33

63

Aug 2001 Americans Gallup Should federal government fund stem cell research on embryos created by cloning? 28 66

Aug 2001

Canadians

Leger Marketing

Are you for or against the cloning of human embryos that would allow for the creation of stem cells that could be used in transplants, organ replacements, and for treatment of diseases that are currently incurable?

55

41

July 2001

Americans

Zogby

Should all cloning research be banned?

-

40

June 2001 Americans Gallup Preferred cloning policy: complete ban (42%); cloning only on human embryos (39%); no restrictions (17%)
Mar 2001 Americans Pew Allow unrestricted scientific research related to cloning? 13 81
Sept 1999 Americans Pew Restricting scientific research on human cloning 57 39

Aug 1999

UK

Novartis

Do you support or oppose cloning and growing human cells?

28

60

June 1999 Americans NBC / Wall Street Journal Banning medical research on cloning 48 47
Sept 1998 Americans Pew Restricting scientific research on human cloning 54 45

Feb 1998

Canadians

CTV / Angus Reid

I think that cloning human beings for such things as replacement body parts, transplants and experimenting with new drugs, if carefully regulated, is not a bad thing.

46

53

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