New Poll: Americans Continue To Oppose Funding Stem Cell Research That Destroys Human Embryos

From the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office of Media Relations:

WASHINGTON (May 31, 2006)— A new poll shows that 48% of Americans oppose federal funding of stem cell research that requires destroying human embryos, while only 39% support such funding. The poll, conducted by International Communications Research (ICR), surveyed over one thousand adults by telephone May 19-23.

Legislation to fund such embryonic stem cell research (H.R. 810), approved by the U.S. House of Representatives a year ago, may soon be considered in the Senate.It was commissioned by the Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

When survey respondents were informed that scientists disagree on whether stem cells from embryos, or from adult tissues and other alternative sources, may end up being most successful in treating diseases, 57% favored funding only the research avenues that do not harm the donor; only 24% favored funding all stem cell research, including the type that involves destroying embryos.

“Congress should not be misled on this important issue,” said Richard M. Doerflinger, Deputy Director of the USCCB’s Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. “Most Americans do not support federally funded research that requires destroying human embryos. Our opponents also know this. No doubt this is why their public statements – and many of their own opinion polls – either ignore or misrepresent what this research involves, while irresponsibly hyping its potential for miracle cures.”

The new poll also shows overwhelming opposition to human cloning, whether to provide children for infertile couples (83% against) or to produce embryos that would be destroyed in medical research (81% against).

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