Opinions concerning pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and sex selection among gynecologist-obstetricians in Brazil

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess a sample of obstetrician-gynecologists on their technical knowledge of PGD as well as their views of PGD and sex selection (SS).Study designCross-sectional observational study, carried out during a Congress on Gynecology and Obstetrics. A self-report questionnaire was offered to all professionals registered to attend the Congress and answers of 723 physicians were analyzed.ResultsOf the participants, 436 (60.3%) were female and 287 (39.7%) were male; 517 (71.5%) had children. Regarding knowledge of PGD techniques, 63.2% had heard something about PGD and/or preconception SS. Concerning SS, physicians believed that SS is always the couple's choice (36.4%), should be the couple's choice only in specific situations (42.6%), or did not agree that SS should be a couple's choice (17.4%). A majority of the respondents were in favor of PGD and believed that pre-embryos with 6–8 cells are human life in potency.ConclusionsIn spite of a small percentage of gynecologists-obstetricians in Brazil had knowledge of PGD techniques, many of them recognized it to be a method to prevent genetic diseases and agreed with its use. The SS appears to be highly accepted for use in specific situations.