June 22, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States would like their federal government to change its current policy regarding stem cell research, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 22 per cent of respondents think there should be no restrictions on this type of scientific investigation, up 11 points in two years.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States would like their federal government to change its current policy regarding stem cell research, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 22 per cent of respondents think there should be no restrictions on this type of scientific investigation, up 11 points in two years.

In addition, 38 per cent of respondents would ease the current funding restrictions to allow more stem cell research, 20 per cent would retain existing guidelines, and 16 per cent would cease all funding.

There are three different types of human stem cells. Some of them 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."

In July 2006, 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.

On Jun. 20, Bush vetoed a new bill related to embryonic stem cell research funding, saying, "If this legislation became law, it would compel American taxpayers—for the first time in our history—to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. I made it clear to Congress and to the American people that I will not allow our nation to cross this moral line." Bush instead issued an executive order to "strengthen our nation's commitment to research on pluripotent stem cells," adding, "Technical innovation in this difficult area is opening up new possibilities for progress without conflict or ethical controversy."

Polling Data

As you may know, the federal government currently provides very limited funding for medical research that uses stem cells obtained from human embryos. Which would you prefer the government to do: place no restrictions on government funding of stem cell research, ease the current restrictions to allow more stem cell research, keep the current restrictions in place, or should the government not fund stem cell research at all?

	May 2007	May 2005
No restrictions	22%	11%
Ease current restrictions	38%	42%
Keep current restrictions	20%	24%
Not fund at all	16%	19%

Source: Gallup / USA Today
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,003 American adults, conducted from May 10 to May 13, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.