The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology launched a report titled 'Fertility, Embryo Research and Genome Editing: Public Attitudes in Europe' on July 5, 2026, during its 42nd Annual Meeting. The report presents findings from a multinational survey indicating public support for certain advancements in reproductive medicine that surpass current legal frameworks in multiple European countries.

Commissioned by the charity Progress Educational Trust and supported by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, the survey was conducted by Ipsos. It explored public attitudes towards fertility treatment, embryo research, genome editing, and surrogacy across the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. The survey gathered responses from 8,688 participants aged 16–75 years, with more than 2,000 respondents in each country.

A majority of respondents in all four countries expressed support for state-funded fertility treatment for individuals experiencing infertility. This support ranged from 54% in the Netherlands to 64% in Italy. The survey also found public backing for the use of human embryos in research to gain a better understanding and develop treatments for congenital diseases. Support for embryo research exceeded opposition in all four countries, ranging from 41% in Italy to 48% in the Netherlands and Spain. Currently, Italy prohibits research uses of human embryos.

Public support was recorded for genome editing to eliminate severe or life-threatening conditions in embryos intended for pregnancy. A majority of respondents in the UK, Netherlands, and Spain supported this application, with overall support ranging from 46% in Italy to 55% in the Netherlands. Genome editing for this purpose is not currently permitted in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, or Italy. Among respondents who supported or held a neutral stance on such research, the most common view regarding the 14-day limit on embryo research was that it is "about right." However, 27% of respondents asked about the limit indicated they did not know if it was too long, too short, or appropriate.

Professor Karen Sermon, Immediate Past Chair of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, commented on the findings. "Reproductive medicine and embryo research are advancing rapidly, and these findings show the importance of understanding how the public views those developments," Sermon said. She also noted, "It is particularly striking that support for some applications extends beyond what is currently permitted in certain countries." Sermon added, "As science advances, it is essential that public awareness keeps pace, so that decisions about future treatments are informed by both evidence and societal values."