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Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Americans Back Federal Stem Cell Research Funds
(CPOD) Aug. 28, 2004 - Many Americans want their government to finance embryonic stem cell research, according to the National Annenberg Election Survey released by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania. 64 per cent of respondents are in favour of granting federal funds for this type of scientific investigation, while 28 per cent disagree.
Human stem cells come from embryos left over from in vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the treatment of several diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Three years ago, United States 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."
Earlier this month, Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry pledged to lift existing restrictions, saying "Good will and good sense can resolve the ethical issues without stopping life-saving research."
Former president Ronald Reagan—who died on Jun. 5 at the age of 93—suffered from Alzheimer's disease. His son Ron made an appearance at last month's Democratic National Convention.
Polling Data
Do you favour or oppose federal funding of research on diseases like Alzheimer's using stem cells taken from human embryos?
Favour | 64% |
Oppose | 28% |
Source: National Annenberg Election Survey / Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,345 American adults, conducted from Jul. 30 to Aug. 5, 2004. Margin of error is 3 per cent.