Knowledge, Attitude And Ethical Consideration Of Chinese Couples Requesting Preimplantation Genetic Testing In Hong Kong

Abstract

Aim: Increasing preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) cycles are being performed in Hong Kong. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and ethical consideration of Chinese couples toward PGT. Methods: Couples requesting PGT between June 2013 and March 2014 were invited to complete a questionnaire. Results: Total 49 couples (49 women, 47 men) completed the questionnaires. Eighteen couples (37%) were waiting for PGT (pre‐PGT group), 15 couples (31%) were undergoing PGT (PGT group) and 16 couples (32%) had completed at least one PGT cycle (post‐PGT group). Only 53% of the couples could tell the recurrent risk, and 31% (with monogenic disorders) could tell the mode of inheritance of their condition. The acceptability of PGT (>80%) and attitude toward the embryo fate (58–78%) were good. The post‐PGT group had more concern than the PGT and pre‐PGT groups on the prenatal diagnostic testing (**P = 0.007). 12.5% of the couples worried about the transfer of healthy embryos with carrier state and they all had monogenic disorders. If the prenatal testing confirmed an affected fetus, a higher percentage (32%) in the Post‐PGT group disagreed to terminate the pregnancy in contrast to a much lower 6% in the pre‐PGT group (**P = 0.02). Three‐quarter of the couples opted to tell their child about their conception through PGT. Conclusion: Chinese couples in Hong Kong had an overall good acceptability and positive attitude toward PGT. We appreciate the difficulties the couples have gone through PGT. A checklist on what to cover pre‐during‐post‐PGT in the counseling process is needed.