Battle brewing in Maryland over funding for stem-cell research

Published: 2005-02-09

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (CNS) -- Results of a new poll released Feb. 7 show that the vast majority of Marylanders oppose human cloning for stem-cell research and that they oppose state sanctioning of the destruction of human embryos. The same day several Maryland lawmakers unveiled a proposal to spend $25 million on the forms of stem-cell research that would result in the destruction of human embryos and allow so-called "therapeutic cloning." Commissioned by the Maryland Catholic Conference and Maryland Right to Life, the Mason-Dixon poll showed that nearly 80 percent of Maryland voters oppose human cloning to create a supply of human embryos to be destroyed in medical research. Nearly 70 percent of those polled said state government should not endorse the kind of stem-cell research that requires the destruction of human embryos. When asked if scientists should be allowed to use human cloning to create children for infertile couples, 84 percent of Marylanders said no. Opposition to cloning was strong throughout the state and across party affiliation, race and gender classifications. The poll surveyed 625 registered voters statewide and was conducted Jan. 18-20. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. Nancy Fortier, associate director for justice, pro-life and human rights with the Maryland Catholic Conference, said the poll results indicate that Marylanders have serious ethical concerns with the forms of research now being promoted by lawmakers in Annapolis, the state capital.

Copyright (c) 2005 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .