Which religious and personal characteristics predict attitudes toward gene editing? Findings from a survey of 4,939 adults in the U.S.

We explored whether major religious groups' attitudes toward gene editing differ, as well as what specific religious and personal characteristics predict attitudes toward gene editing. We administered a survey to a sample of U.S. adults (N = 4939), including stratified samples of nine major religious and non-religious groups. We assessed participants' religious affiliation, beliefs, and practices, and their attitudes (i.e., support and concerns) toward gene editing. Participants generally supported gene editing but also reported moderate levels of concerns. Atheist participants reported the highest support, while Mainline Protestants reported the lowest. Muslim participants reported the highest concerns, while atheist participants reported the lowest. Views on evolution and the healthcare values of their spiritual community predicted support, while views on evolution, beliefs that one's body is a manifestation of God, and religious discrimination predicted concerns. The strongest predictors of attitudes were distrust and genetic knowledge, with higher genetic knowledge predicting lower support. While religious affiliation predicts attitudes toward gene editing, generalizations must be avoided given the range of attitudes within each group. Additionally, education alone is unlikely to increase support for gene editing. Fostering trust among religious groups is essential to ensuring that their decisions reflect their values and priorities, rather than being driven by distrust of the healthcare system. Better understanding religion's impact on attitudes toward gene editing may facilitate appropriate genetic counseling and inform policymaking efforts.