(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many Americans back the practice of scientific investigation on embryonic human stem cells, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 63 per cent of respondents support this type of research.

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."

Earlier this month, the National Academy of Sciences issued a proposal for new ethical guidelines on embryonic stem cell research. The planned rules include imposing boundaries on experiments that involve animals, setting a 14-day limit for human embryos grown in culture, and prohibiting any type of payment to donors.

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Do you support or oppose embryonic stem cell research?

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