Stem Cell Reality Check #2

"A clear majority of Americans supports stem cell research"

Of course they do – but what type of stem cell research do they support?

"Stem cell research" refers to research using various types of stem cells. Stem cells that come from adult tissue, placentas, or umbilical cord blood can be retrieved without harming the donor. The only way to obtain embryonic stem cells, however, is to kill the living human embryo.

Typically, poll questions do not make this distinction.

When Americans are asked if the government should fund stem cell research which requires destroying human embryos, 70% of Americans say "NO."

And when choosing between funding stem cell research including embryonic stem cells vs. stem cell research without embryonic stem cells, Americans support the latter approach 67% to 18%. (International Communications Research, June 8, 2001. See http://www.usccb.org/comm/archives/2001/01-101.htm.)

Throughout American history, no Administration of either party has funded research which relies on destroying live human embryos.

Embryonic stem cells have not helped a single human patient or demonstrated any therapeutic benefit. By contrast, adult stem cells and other ethically acceptable alternatives have helped hundreds of thousands of patients, and new clinical uses expand almost weekly.

Let's fund promising medical research that everybody can live with.
Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops - www.usccb.org




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Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017-1194 (202) 541-3070