January 08, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States want their federal government to back a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. 56 per cent of respondents want to ease the restrictions on use of federal money to research on embryonic stem cells.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States want their federal government to back a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by Ipsos-Public Affairs released by the Associated Press. 56 per cent of respondents want to ease the restrictions on use of federal money to research on embryonic stem cells.

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."

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.

The House of Representatives—which now has a majority of Democratic Party legislators—is expected to vote this month to enhance federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. White House spokesman Tony Snow said Bush remains opposed to this plan, saying, "The president has made it clear (that he) does not believe that this kind of research necessitates the taking of a human life. The position hasn't changed."

Polling Data

Should the government ease the restrictions on use of federal money to research on embryonic stem cells, or not?

Yes	56%
No	28%
Not sure	3%

Source: Ipsos-Public Affairs / Associated Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,004 American adults, conducted from Dec. 19 to Dec. 21, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.