US Public Opinion About the Safety of Gene Editing in the Agriculture and Medical Fields and the Amount of Evidence Needed to Improve Opinions

Authors

Brandon R. McFadden, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
Joy N. Rumble, The Ohio State University
Kathryn A. Stofer, University of Florida
Kevin M. Folta, University of Florida

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2024

Keywords

gene editing; biotechnology; public opinion; consumer acceptance; science communication

Abstract

Introduction: Implementation of gene editing in agriculture and medicine hinges on public acceptance. The objectives of this study were to explore U.S. public opinion about gene editing in agricultural and medical fields and to provide more insight into the relationship between opinions about the safety of gene editing and the potential impact of evidence to improve opinions about safety.

Methods: Data were from two samples of U.S. respondents: 1,442 respondents in 2021 and 3,125 respondents in 2022. Survey respondents provided their opinions about the safety of gene editing in the agricultural and medical fields and answered questions about the number of studies or length of time without a negative outcome to improve opinions about the safety of gene editing in the agricultural and medical fields.

Results: Results indicated that respondents in both samples were more familiar, more likely to have an opinion about safety, and more positive about the safety of gene editing in the agricultural field than in the medical field. Also, familiarity was more closely associated with opinions about safety than the strength of opinions.

Discussion: These findings add to the literature examining perceptions of gene editing in the agricultural or medical fields separately. Opinions about the safety of gene editing were generally more favorable for respondents who were aware of the use of gene editing. These results support a proactive approach for effective communication strategies to inform the public about the use of gene editing in the agricultural and medical fields.

Comments

© 2024 McFadden, Rumble, Stofer and Folta.

First publication by Frontiers Media.

Citation

McFadden, B. R., Rumble, J. N., Stofer, K. A., & Folta, K. M. (2024). US Public Opinion About the Safety of Gene Editing in the Agriculture and Medical Fields and the Amount of Evidence Needed to Improve Opinions. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 12, 1340398. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2024.1340398

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.