Americans-- Catholics included-- strongly favor embryonic stem-cell research
October 22, 2010
Americans strongly favor embryonic stem-cell research, according to a new public-opinion poll. Catholics favor the research by a margin barely lower than that for the general population.
The Harris Interactive poll found that 72% of respondents thought researchers should be allowed to use embryonic stem cells for research leading to cures from serious diseases. Among Catholics the rate of approval was 69%. The poll question was based on the assumption that embryonic stem-cell research would likely yield cures, and that the stem cells would be harvested from “leftover” embryos created in the process of in vitro fertilization.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
-
Posted by: -
Oct. 23, 2010 9:28 PM ET USA
This takes the breath away. If ever there was a news story that told us starkely that our bishops are for the most part worthless, this is it.
-
Posted by: unum -
Oct. 23, 2010 1:04 AM ET USA
Gil125, your parish too? My pastor says he doesn't comment on anything except the Scripture readings at Mass, and there are no readings about embryonic stem cells.
-
Posted by: jeremiahjj -
Oct. 23, 2010 1:03 AM ET USA
I'm not sure a majority of these Catholics understood that such research would be at the expense of a human life. This is the slippery slope we heard about when people began storing embryos -- what would happen if they were no longer wanted? Would they be tossed out or used for other purposes? What would be the difference in tossing out a frozen embryo and, say, a recently fertilized one? They're both viable. 'Tis indeed the slippery slope we were warned about and we have hit the bottom of it.
-
Posted by: impossible -
Oct. 23, 2010 12:06 AM ET USA
Not so surprising, for the reason Gili25 intimates, but also because of ignorance perpetuated by ambiguous headlines and articles. To the public, Catholics included, it's all lumped under "stem cell research," with no mention that there have been ZERO cures with embryonic stem cells and numerous cures using adult stem cells, umbilical cord cells and placenta cells. One would have to see the questions to properly evaluate this article. W/O respect for life at all stages, no "social justice."
-
Posted by: hartwood01 -
Oct. 22, 2010 8:40 PM ET USA
I haven't heard any homilies on embryonic stem cell research either. Where else should we get our instruction except from the pulpit?
-
Posted by: dover beachcomber -
Oct. 22, 2010 7:29 PM ET USA
Another great job of catechesis, progressive Bishops!
-
Posted by: Obregon -
Oct. 22, 2010 5:54 PM ET USA
Our bishops are meeting in November. Should they not see this news item and make a point in their meeting to educate Catholics better?
-
Posted by: Gil125 -
Oct. 22, 2010 5:10 PM ET USA
Gee, isn't that amazing? And after all those homilies in every parish every Sunday. I mean, I've never heard it mentioned in my particular parish, but I assumed you had.
