(CPOD) Sept. 3, 2004 - Many Americans back the practice of scientific investigation on human stem cells, according to a poll by the Los Angeles Times. 65 per cent of respondents agree with this type of research, while 23 per cent disagree.

Human stem cells come from embryos left over from in vitro fertilization, which are habitually destroyed. Some scientists believe the research could be useful in the treatment of several diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Three years ago, United States 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 August, Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry pledged to lift existing restrictions, saying, "Good will and good sense can resolve the ethical issues without stopping life-saving research."

As far as the issue's effect on the presidential race, 40 per cent of respondents say a candidate's position on stem cell research funding would make no difference in their vote, while 36 per cent say they are more likely to vote for Kerry due to his stance, and 19 per cent are more likely to support Bush.

Polling Data

There is a type of medical research that involves using special cells, called stem cells, that are obtained from human embryos. These human embryo stem cells are then used to generate new cells and tissue that could help treat or cure many diseases. I am now going to read you two arguments pertaining to stem cell research. "Those opposed to this type of research say that it crosses an ethical line by using cells from potentially viable human embryos, when this research can be done on animals or by using other types of cells," or "Those in favour of this research say that it could lead to breakthrough cures for many diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and spinal cord injuries, and this research uses only embryos that otherwise would be discarded." Which argument do you agree with more, with those in favour of or opposed to using stem cells for research?

As you may also know, president Bush has restricted the use of federal funds for embryonic stem cell research to cell lines that were already in existence, and not with tissue derived from new embryos. John Kerry said that if he became president he would lift the restriction on embryonic stem cell research so that scientists could work with new lines of stem cells, and he would also allow federal funds to be used on the new cell lines. Does knowing this fact make you more likely to vote for Bush, or more likely to vote for Kerry, or does knowing this fact not make a difference in your vote one way or the other?

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