Therapeutic Benefits Drive Public Support for Genome Editing in Saudi Arabia

A nationwide survey in Saudi Arabia has found that public acceptance of genome editing is largely driven by perceived therapeutic benefits, despite generally low awareness of the technology. The study assessed attitudes toward genome editing among more than 1,700 adults and examined factors influencing trust, risk perception, and ethical views.

The results showed that fewer than half of the respondents were familiar with genome editing. However, support increased significantly when the technology was presented as a treatment for serious or life-threatening diseases. Trust in national regulatory systems also played a key role in strengthening acceptance, while greater awareness was linked to more cautious ethical views.

The study found overall public sentiment to be favorable toward therapeutic uses of genome editing, particularly when strong regulatory oversight is emphasized. The researchers concluded that while awareness remains limited, perceived medical benefits and institutional trust are key drivers of acceptance.

For more information, read the abstract from Frontiers in Medicine.