23 Sep New poll confirms public support for embryonic stem cell research
Milwaukee, Wis. – Citizens in southeastern Wisconsin overwhelmingly support embryonic stem cell research, according to a new poll released by Milwaukee Public Radio.
In the poll, they indicated strong support not only for embryonic stem cell research, but they believe that effective therapies will result from the research, and they believe by an overwhelming majority that continuing to conduct embryonic stem cell research is more important than allowing politics and religion to be injected into the debate.
In the survey, more than 93 percent of respondents agreed that stem cell therapy has great potential to treat many common diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries in innovative ways.
The poll also reveals tremendous support for new state investment in stem cell research.
Ed Fallone, president of Wisconsin Stem Cell Now, a statewide nonprofit advocacy organization, said the poll confirms that the people of Wisconsin want to see embryonic stem cell research continue, and support higher levels of public investment in this research.
Other findings are as follows:
- By a 59-33 percent majority, the public of southeastern Wisconsin thinks that conducting stem cell research is more important than not using embryos in research.
- More than 87 percent of those polled believe that stem cell science and technology has the potential to produce economic benefits and job growth in Wisconsin.
- More than 86 percent of those polled believe that Wisconsin could be a worldwide leader in stem cell technology, and almost 75 percent feel that funding the emerging Wisconsin stem cell industry would help stop the “brain drain” of highly educated people moving to other states.
- Nearly 65 percent support lifting restrictions on stem cell research, and 62 percent support investing state dollars in stem cell research.
The poll’s methodology is available at Milwaukee Public Radio’s website.