The Human Cloning Foundation says Most Americans Support Stem Cell Research

The Human Cloning Foundation today said a new survey shows that the majority of Americans are in broad support of research using embryonic stem cells.

The survey, conducted by the Genetics and Public Policy Center of John Hopkins University in Baltimore, covered 2,212 people. It showed that 67% either approve or strongly approve of stem cell research and that 40% would expand government support for embryonic stem cell research, including federal financing to create new stem cell lines.

On the other hand, the survey found that only 16% would ban all research using embryonic stem cells and only 22% support the US government's restrictive policy on stem cell research.

The study concluded that "support for research cuts across political, religious and socio-economic lines" and that "there were no significant differences based on age, race, or ethnic group."

It said all religious groups, with the exception of fundamentalist and evangelical Christians, approve of embryonic stem cell research and that two-thirds of Catholics approve or strongly approve of embryonic stem cell research. It said fundamentalist and evangelical Christians were divided, with 50% approving or strongly approving and 48% disapproving or strongly disapproving.

The survey also found that women were more likely than men to disapprove or strongly disapprove of stem cell research, 35% vs. 27%. On political affiliations, the survey said 75% of Democrats approved or strongly approved, compared with 55% of Republicans, while Independents fell in between, with 66% approving or strongly approving.

"The survey is consistent with worldwide trends that indicate growing interest and support for stem cell research," said HCF spokesman David Madrigal, who cited a recent study that showed that 23 of 30 countries have already enacted legislation on the creation and use of cloned embryos.

Contact: Mr. David Madrigal, Human Cloning Foundation
www.humancloning.org
humancloning.david@gmail.com