Assessing Public Awareness and Ethical Perceptions of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Technology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63163/jpehss.v3i3.517Keywords:
CRISPR-Cas9, gene editing, public perception, bioethics, awareness, ethical attitudes, biotechnology.Abstract
Background: CRISPR-Cas9 represents an innovative gene editing technology that has the power to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Nevertheless, public understanding and ethical acceptance are paramount for its integration into society.
Objective: This study explores public awareness, self-reported knowledge, and ethical attitudes towards CRISPR-Cas9, with a special emphasis on its therapeutic and enhancement-related purposes.
Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to 107 participants with a wide range of demographic backgrounds. The questionnaire asked for information on age, gender, education, and occupation, as well as opinions on CRISPR awareness, ethical opinions, and the role of cultural or religious beliefs. Quantitative analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics.
Results: 51.4% of 107 participants reported knowing about CRISPR, and only 42.1% reported having sufficient knowledge to hold an opinion.
The participants rated their level of understanding in gene editing as an average of 2.64 out of 5. While therapeutic uses were moderately supported (mean = 3.0/5), respondents opposed embryo editing (2.84/5) and enhancement (2.79/5) less. Religious and cultural beliefs moderately affected opinions (3.19/5). Awareness and acceptance were greater among more educated and younger individuals.
Conclusion: The research indicates a knowledge deficit in the public's awareness of CRISPR-Cas9 and the necessity of focused education. Therapeutic uses tend to be approved, but ethical issues persist, particularly for non-therapeutic purposes. Prompts for informed public discussion are necessary to ethically regulate gene editing technologies.
