(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States support the practice of scientific investigation on embryonic human stem cells, according to a poll by Harris Interactive. 74 per cent of respondents believe this type of research should be allowed, a 13 per cent increase since 2001.

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."

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.

On May 24, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 238-194 to allow federal funding for research performed on stem cells obtained from days-old embryos stored in fertility clinics. A second bill, which seeks to establish a national bank of blood products from umbilical cords available for research and treatment, passed after a 431-1 vote. The two proposed pieces of legislation must be reviewed by the Senate.

On May 20, Bush declared, "I made very clear to Congress that the use of federal money, taxpayer's money, to promote science which destroys life in order to save life—I'm against that. Therefore, if the bill does that, I would veto it."

Polling Data

Stem cells come from embryos left over from in vitro fertilization, which are not used and normally destroyed. Many medical researchers want to use them to develop treatments, or to prevent diseases, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. On balance, do you think this research should or should not be allowed?

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