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U-M ISR September Surveys of Consumers: stem cells

All answers in total percentage of respondents = 498

Correct answers in BOLD

Stem cell research has been in the news in the past several years. How much would you say you have heard or read about stem cell research—would you say a great deal, some, not much, or nothing at all?

Three different kinds of stem cells are used in research that seeks new treatments for diseases: embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic cells. As far as you know, are all three types equally useful for this research or are some cells more useful than others?

Now I will ask three questions about possible sources of human embryonic stem cells currently used in research.

First, do you think leftover human embryos from fertility clinics are used to produce human embryonic stem cells used in research?

Next, what about aborted human fetuses (-- do you think they are used to produce human embryonic stem cells used in research)?

What about cloned human embryos (-- do you think they are used to produce human embryonic stem cells used in research)?

Now, please tell me whether you think each of the following statements is true or false.

Stem cells from amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood can be used for research, yielding the same results as embryonic stem cells. (Is that true or false?)

The stem cell lines currently approved by the federal government provide enough embryonic stem cells for research. (Is that true or false?)

The embryos used for research are about as large as the period at the end of a printed sentence. (Is that true or false?)

Embryonic stem cell research uses embryos that have already begun to develop a heart, brain, and other human organs. (Is that true or false?)

Under current law, research using embryos that would otherwise be destroyed is prohibited in all fifty states. (Is that true or false?)

Discarding leftover embryos from fertility clinics is allowed in almost all states. (Is that true or false?)

The next question describes stem cell research and then asks for your opinion about it.

Embryonic stem cells are special cells that can develop into every type of cell in the human body. Most stem cells currently used in research in the United States are taken from embryos that were produced for fertility treatment but were not used either because they were unsuitable or because there were too many of them. Some couples donate the embryos rather than simply discarding them. The process of obtaining embryonic stem cells destroys the embryo. Scientists believe there is a chance that embryonic stem cells can be used to develop treatments for diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, juvenile diabetes, and spinal cord injuries.

Would you strongly support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos?