Table 3 Codes, definitions, number of times code was applied, and illustrative participant responses regarding attitudes about the use of PGT
Code | Definition | Numbera | Illustrative Participant Response |
|---|---|---|---|
Personal philosophy | Individuals describe a personal philosophy or belief system (e.g., acceptance, embracing uncertainty, personal boundaries) that justifies their reproductive decisions | 13 | “Life is what it is. You take the good with the bad!” [ID 14] |
God, religion, and morality | Individuals discuss a trust in God and/or how the use of PGT may violate their religious or moral beliefs | 10 | “I believe in trusting God. If my children have it then I will know how to handle it.” [ID 20] |
Eliminate mutation | Individuals describe the benefit of preventing or eliminating a pathogenic mutation in future generations from use of PGT | 9 | “Stopping the transmission of the mutation to next generation.” [ID 18] |
Minimizing suffering or anxiety | Individuals describe a benefit of minimizing personal or children’s suffering and anxiety from use of PGT | 5 | “I think if you can help your children to avoid the pain of cancer, then one should do it. Especially for your children.” [ID 9] |
Personal preferences for family and reproduction | Individuals describe their personal values and preferences regarding reproduction and having biological children | 5 | “I would have either adopted or not had children.” [ID 12] |
Concerns about safety and technology | Individuals express concerns about the safety or accuracy of genetic/reproductive technology | 4 | “Sometimes results may be a false positive, my brother took the gene test and every time the result was different 3–4 times.” [ID 1] |
Cost | Individuals describe costs and financial implications of PGT | 2 | “Cost, safety for embryos.” [ID 17] |
Age | Individuals describe their age as a factor in their decisions about PGT and reproduction | 2 | “Because we are too old.” [ID 4] |
Improving health | Individuals express a benefit of improved health for children from PGT | 2 | “Longer, disease-free (hopefully) life.” [ID 15] |
Knowledge | Individuals express a benefit of improved knowledge from PGT | 1 | “Knowledge.” [ID 14] |