- Many adults in the United States believe their federal administration should fund a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by Princeton Survey Research Associates published in Newsweek. 50 per cent of respondents favour using federal tax dollars to fund medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos, up two points since August.

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, 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.

American voters will renew the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate on Nov. 7. In recent days, actor Michael J. Fox—who suffers from Parkinson's disease—has endorsed several candidates who support stem cell research, including Democrat Sherrod Brown, who is campaigning for one of Ohio's U.S. Senate seats against Republican incumbent Mike DeWine.

DeWine voiced his opposition to stem cell research in a prepared statement, which read: "The debate is really about whether we will spend federal taxpayer dollars to destroy human life. I believe human life is sacred, and I can't in good conscience vote to authorize federal money to destroy it."

Polling Data

Do you favour or oppose using federal tax dollars to fund medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos?

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