Physicians Strongly in Favor of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

A new national survey of 737 physicians revealed that a strong majority (83%) support medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos.

The national survey was conducted byHCD Researchand Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) during July 17-18, in response to a bill in congress that loosens restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research.

Among the findings:

- A clear majority of physicians (83%) are in favor of embryonic stem cell research, with more than half (63%) reporting that they are "strongly" in favor.

- When asked about a possible expansion that would allow research on stem cell lines from embryos that came from fertility clinics, where they would otherwise be destroyed, 79% said they were in favor of such an expansion.

- An overwhelming majority of physicians (91%), indicated that other types of stem cell research are promising, such as the research proposed in the Santorum-Spector bill, with 20% reporting it was "very promising," 30% indicating it was "promising," and 41% finding it "somewhat promising."

- When asked to select the most promising type of stem cell research, 41% selected embryonic stem cell research, while only 18% chose alternative forms of stem cell research, as proposed by the Santorum-Spector bill, and 20% believe the two forms of research "show equal promise."

- Physicians indicated strong political support for HR 810, with 70% reporting that they wanted their Senate representatives to vote for HR 810 and an equal number (70%) indicating that they would want their Senate representatives to vote to override a presidential veto.

- Physicians expressed negative emotional reactions to a potential presidential veto. The emotions most often reported were "disgusted, irritated, enraged, contemptuous" (34%); "sad, angry, powerless, helpless, distressed" (30%), "suspicious, skeptical" (20%); and "ashamed, embarrassed, mad, guilty" (16%).

The respondents by self-reported political party affiliation included Republicans 38%, Democrats 31% and Independents 27%.

"The results of this study are consistent with a poll taken by HCD and MCIPO in October 2004, where 79% of physicians opposed the president's stance on stem cell research," said Glenn Kessler, co-founder and managing partner, HCD Research.

"Results show clear support by physicians for a more expansive policy related to this issue."

“总统否决国会阻止cell legislation likely, our findings continue to show that American physicians oppose President Bush's stance on this issue," remarked Christopher Borick, Ph.D., director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion.

"As with the public at large, the nation's doctors support broader federal support for research utilizing stem cells."