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Most Americans Uphold Stem Cell Research
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States support a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 51 per cent of respondents believe it is more important to conduct stem cell research that might result in new medical cures, while 35 per cent think not destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in this research is paramount.
There are three different types of human stem cells. Some of them 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.
In June, Bush vetoed a new bill related to embryonic stem cell research funding, saying, "If this legislation became law, it would compel American taxpayers—for the first time in our history—to support the deliberate destruction of human embryos. I made it clear to Congress and to the American people that I will not allow our nation to cross this moral line." Bush instead issued an executive order to "strengthen our nation’s commitment to research on pluripotent stem cells," adding, "Technical innovation in this difficult area is opening up new possibilities for progress without conflict or ethical controversy."
House speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed disappointment with Bush’s decision, saying, "In vetoing the legislation, the president will be saying ‘No’ to 75 per cent of the American people. He will be saying ‘No’ to so many families across America who are hoping and praying that this legislation becomes a public policy."
Polling Data
All in all, which is more important: conducting stem cell research that might result in new medical cures, or not destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in this research?
Conducting stem cell research | 51% |
Not destroying potential life | 35% |
Unsure | 14% |