April 22, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States think a specific type of scientific investigation should be allowed, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 68 per cent of respondents support embryonic stem cell research, up seven points since January.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - More adults in the United States think a specific type of scientific investigation should be allowed, according to a poll by TNS released by the Washington Post and ABC News. 68 per cent of respondents support embryonic stem cell research, up seven points since January.

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." 60 per cent of respondents support loosening the current restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

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.

On Apr. 11, the U.S. Senate voted 63-34 to lift a restriction in the presidential ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Democratic Iowa senator Tom Harkin urged Bush to "reconsider" his stance on the issue, adding, "There are some 400,000 leftover, unwanted embryos in fertility clinics across America. All we are saying is, instead of throwing those leftover embryos away, let's allow couples to donate a few of them, if they wish, to create stem cell lines that could cure diseases and save lives."

Bush supports an alternative measure—which was passed in the upper house after a 70-28 vote—that seeks to allow research on embryos that can no longer develop into fetuses.

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose embryonic stem cell research?

	Apr. 2007	Jan. 2007
Support	68%	61%
Oppose	28%	31%
No opinion	4%	8%

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

	Apr. 2007	Jan. 2007
Support	60%	55%
Oppose	36%	38%
No opinion	4%	7%

Source: TNS / Washington Post / ABC News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,141 American adults, conducted from Apr. 12 to Apr. 15, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.