Polls & Research

Support for Stem Cell Research Up in U.S.20060814

- More adults in the United States are in favour of a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by Opinion Dynamics released by Fox News. 63 per cent of respondents approve of embryonic stem cell research, up 17 points since July 2003.

Human stem cells come from embryos left over from in-vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. These cells can develop into various tissues in the human body. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the creation of new organs and in the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

In August 2001, U.S. president George W. Bush cited ethical questions in his rationale to ban federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. In a nationally televised statement, Bush said, "While we're all hopeful about the potential of this research, no one can be certain that the science will live up to the hope it has generated."

On Jul. 19, Bush vetoed the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which had been approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate, and sought to allow federal funding for embryonic stem cell research on cells "derived from human embryos that have been donated from in-vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the clinical need of the individuals seeking such treatment." In more than five years in office, Bush had not vetoed a single bill.

Yesterday, Australian prime minister John Howard ruled out allowing Parliament to make decisions on stem cell research on a conscience vote, adding, "We had a very lengthy debate about this, and there was a very strong view expressed about the matter and it resulted in the current legislation. So we have to think very carefully before we alter it."

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of stem cell research—that is, medical research using tissue from human embryos?