What does public opinion say about stem cell research that would destroy human embryos?
Proponents of research that would require destroying human embryos cite wide margins of public support. Their polls, however, often fail to mention that embryos would be destroyed for their stem cells. A June 2001 ABCNews/ BeliefNet poll avoided that reality, and claimed support from 58% of Americans for “stem cell research.” Here is the question they asked: “Sometimes fertility clinics produce extra fertilized eggs, also called embryos, that are not implanted in a woman’s womb. These extra embryos either are discarded, or couples can donate them for use in medical research, called stem-cell research. Some people support stem-cell research, saying it’s an important way to find treatments for many diseases. Other people oppose stem- cell research, saying it’s wrong to use any human embryos for research purposes. What about you – – do you support or oppose stem-cell research?” Americans gave an entirely different answer when International Communications Research asked, “Stem cells are th
