(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States believe a specific type of scientific investigation is valid, according to a poll by CBS News. 65 per cent of respondents approve of medical research using embryonic stem cells, up six points since July.

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." 43 per cent of respondents believe federal spending on medical research using embryonic stem cells should be increased.

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.

Yesterday, the International Society for Stem Cell Research released a set of guidelines for this type of scientific investigation. The regulations include a ban on human cloning, as well as documents for informed consent that must be used when obtaining human tissues.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of medical research using embryonic stem cells?

Should federal spending on medical research using embryonic stem cells be increased, decreased, or kept about the same?

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