優生思想の傾向と人工妊娠中絶および出生前診断の捉え方との関連

This study examined the relationship between eugenic tendencies and the perception of abortion and prenatal diagnosis. In a web survey using online sampling, the public (n = 207) responded to questions about abortion and prenatal diagnosis and a scale of attitudes toward eugenics. The respondents were asked to rate their awareness and desire for abortion and prenatal diagnosis on a Likert scale and provide an accessible description of their options. The scale of attitudes toward eugenics asked respondents to rate their inclination toward eugenic tendencies on a Likert scale. Regarding abortion and prenatal diagnosis, results showed that more than 70 % of the respondents were aware of abortion, and more than 50 % were aware of prenatal diagnosis. Less than 60 % of the respondents who knew about abortion considered the possibility of having one (n = 149), and over 70 % of them who knew about prenatal diagnosis were willing to undergo the same (n = 106). Nearly 60 % of the participants who had heard of abortion and prenatal diagnosis knew that these were a selection of life (n = 149). Furthermore, regarding the relationship between eugenic tendencies and the perception of abortion (n = 149) and prenatal diagnosis (n = 106), those with solid eugenic tendencies were more likely to consider the possibility of abortion. However, there was no apparent difference for those with weaker eugenic tendencies. In contrast, those with solid and more fragile eugenic tendencies significantly selected the possibility of prenatal diagnosis. The results of the free description statements about abortion and prenatal diagnosis also revealed negative expressions that could be associated with eugenic thoughts, such as “I would feel sorry if a handicapped baby is born” in those with solid eugenic tendencies. Our present results indicate that the possibility of abortion and prenatal diagnosis is higher in people with a higher eugenic tendency.