January 27, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States see no problem with a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 61 per cent of respondents support embryonic stem cell research, and 55 per cent would loosen existing restrictions on its funding.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States see no problem with a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 61 per cent of respondents support embryonic stem cell research, and 55 per cent would loosen existing restrictions on its funding.

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.

Yesterday, Iowa governor Chet Culver introduced his plan to build a stem cell research centre at the University of Iowa, saying, "It will allow the university a lot of flexibility both in the area of the actual building and the infrastructure needs but also in terms of recruiting the best and brightest research and doctors around the country."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose embryonic stem cell research?

	Jan. 2007	Jun. 2005
Support	61%	59%
Oppose	31%	33%
No opinion	8%	8%

Do you support or oppose loosening the current restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research?

Support	55%
Oppose	38%
No opinion	7%

Source: TNS / Washington Post / ABC News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted from Jan. 16 to Jan. 19, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.