July 31, 2006

Abstract: - Many adults in the United States disagree with their president's decision to reject the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 58 per cent of respondents disapprove of George W. Bush's decision.

- Many adults in the United States disagree with their president's decision to reject the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 58 per cent of respondents disapprove of George W. Bush's decision.

On Jul. 19, Bush vetoed the bill, 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.

Bush explained his rationale, saying, "This bill would support the taking of innocent human life in the hope of finding medical benefits for others. It crosses a moral boundary that our decent society needs to respect, so I vetoed it. (...) We must also remember that embryonic stem cells come from human embryos that are destroyed for their cells. Each of these human embryos is a unique human life with inherent dignity and matchless value." 61 per cent of respondents think Bush vetoed the bill on the basis of personal moral beliefs.

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 Jul. 20, Republican California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger authorized a $150 million U.S. loan to fund the state's stem cell institute. On the same day, Democratic Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich announced a $5 million U.S. investment in stem cell research.

Polling Data

As you may know, earlier this week, U.S. president George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Do you approve or disapprove of his decision to veto this bill?

Approve	36%
Disapprove	58%
No opinion	6%

Would you say Bush vetoed this bill mostly on the basis of personal moral beliefs or mostly in an attempt to gain political advantage?

Personal beliefs	61%
Political advantage	32%
No opinion	7%

Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,005 American adults, conducted from Jul. 21 to Jul. 23, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.