(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Australia believe stem cells from human embryos should be extracted and used to treat injuries and disease, according to a poll by Roy Morgan International. 82 per cent of respondents approve of this type of scientific investigation.

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.

Yesterday, Australian prime minister John Howard announced that he would allow members of the governing Coalition of Liberals and Nationals to debate whether to expand stem cell research, adding, "Recognizing the range of issues and views, there will be a detailed discussion on this issue within the government parties when Parliament resumes for the spring sitting."

Last year, a report issued by former Federal Court judge John Lockhart recommended allowing Australian scientists to create embryos for the purpose of harvesting stem cells.

Polling Data

A very important new avenue for research using human embryos involves taking cells called stem cells from the inside of a five day old embryo. The embryo is no longer capable of further development. Scientists are working on techniques to turn stem cells extracted from an embryo into any type of cells in the body such as nerve cells and muscle cells to treat diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, spinal injuries and many more. Put simply, stem cells can be extracted from human embryos to be used in the treatment of many diseases and injuries. Do you approve or disapprove of the extraction of stem cells from human embryos to treat injuries and disease?

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.