Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.P.H.

Degree Name

MS in Public Health (M.S.P.H.)

Degree Granting Department

Public Health

Major Professor

Deborah Cragun, Ph.D., M.S., CGC

Committee Member

Ryan T. Cragun, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kathleen Pope, M.D.

Keywords

denominational stances, genetics, qualitative research, religion and health

Abstract

Religion significantly influences healthcare decisions, including those related to genetic testing, by shaping ethical and emotional considerations. While some religious groups provide formal stances on genetic testing, others lack clear guidelines, leaving both patients and healthcare providers without consistent resources for navigating faith-informed decisions. Understanding religious leaders’ perspectives is critical to bridging this gap and supporting diverse patient needs. This study aimed to examine religious leaders’ perspectives on genetic testing, genetic counseling, in vitro fertilization (IVF), gene therapy, stem cell research, and abortion. These topics were explored to understand the role of religious beliefs in healthcare decisions, and to develop a resource for healthcare providers supporting faith-informed choices. A comprehensive literature review identified official stances on genetics-related topics among major U.S. and global religious groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with religious leaders from Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. Demographic surveys were also sent to all participants after the interview. Interview transcripts were de-identified and analyzed with support from ChatGPT-4 to identify key emerging themes. Religious leaders demonstrated varying levels of adherence to official denominational stances when available, with some strictly following doctrine while others relied on personal ethical reasoning and pastoral discretion. Most supported genetic counseling and genetic testing for medical purposes, though ethical concerns arose regarding reproductive interventions, embryo use, and genetic enhancements. Many leaders expressed limited familiarity with genetics-related topics and were unaware of their faith’s official stance on certain issues. Leaders also emphasized the importance of collaboration with healthcare professionals, acknowledging that clergy often lack the scientific background to advise on complex genetic issues. The findings emphasize the need for collaboration between clergy and healthcare providers. Given the study’s limitations, future research should expand to include additional religious traditions, assess intra-denominational differences, and explore the influence of clergy guidance on patient decision-making. Refining AI-assisted qualitative methods may also improve thematic accuracy and efficiency in future studies.

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