Social representations of assisted reproductive medicine among the population of the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The article examines the complexity of public perceptions and attitudes toward assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in contemporary society, based on a quantitative sociological study conducted in September 2025 on a sample of 375 respondents. The study provides an empirically grounded perspective on how social representations and levels of knowledge shape the acceptance or rejection of these technologies. The calculation of the Index of Dominant Opinion (IDO) for different categories of respondents represents a valuable sociological tool for quantifying the degree of acceptance or resistance toward ART. This index provides a precise measure of the dominance of positive opinions over negative and neutral ones, thereby reflecting the extent of social consensus regarding the topic. Overall, the study reveals a relatively high level of acceptance of assisted reproductive technologies, though perceptions and levels of knowledge vary across sociodemographic, cultural, and experiential factors. These findings underscore the need for well-designed policies and educational campaigns aimed at informing the public and addressing ethical and social concerns, with the ultimate goal of facilitating equitable and responsible access to assisted reproductive technologies.