January 23, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States express hope in a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 66 per cent of respondents think it is very or somewhat likely that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to lead to cures to previously incurable diseases.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in the United States express hope in a specific type of scientific investigation, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 66 per cent of respondents think it is very or somewhat likely that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to lead to cures to previously incurable diseases.

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."

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 Jan. 11, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 253-174 in favour of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. Democrat House speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Bush to reconsider his intention of vetoing the bill, declaring, "With today's strong bipartisan vote, we now challenge President Bush to join members from both sides of the aisle in supporting the hope of stem cell research."

Polling Data

How likely is it that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to lead to cures to previously incurable diseases?

Very likely	38%
Somewhat likely	28%
Not very likely	14%
Not at all likely	6%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13, 2007. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.