(CPOD) Nov. 18, 2004 - Many voters in Switzerland would support scientific investigation on embryonic stem cells, according to a poll by the GfS Research Institute released by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation. 52 per cent of respondents would vote in favour of this type of research in a nationwide referendum.

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.

The referendum will settle whether embryonic stem cell research should be carried out in Switzerland. The proposed law would allow researchers to use stem cells from "spare" in vitro embryos conserved in artificial insemination clinics.

The law would also ban the commercial exploitation of embryonic stem cells and embryos, the creation of embryos for research or cloning purposes, and the patenting of embryonic stem cells. The referendum is scheduled for Nov. 28.

Polling Data

Would you vote in favour or against embryonic stem cell research?

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