Poll finds majority of Americans oppose embryonic stem-cell research

Published: 2005-05-17

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A majority of Americans oppose federal funding of stem-cell research involving the destruction of human embryos, while 36 percent support it, according to a new poll commissioned by the U.S. bishops' Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities. "It is always wrong for government to promote the destruction of human life," said Richard M. Doerflinger, deputy director of the secretariat, in a statement. "To do so when a clear majority of the taxpayers themselves reject this approach would be especially irresponsible." The poll was released May 16 as the U.S. House of Representatives was considering legislation that would allow federal funding of stem-cell research using embryos created but not used for in vitro fertilization. A vote was expected on the legislation before the summer recess.

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