News Release: Michigan Catholics Overwhelmingly Opposed to Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Poll Finds

(LANSING)—A new statewide poll on the subject of stem cell research has found that 80 percent of Michigan Catholic residents are opposed to measures that would kill the human embryo so the stem cells can be removed. The poll was taken in the midst of a massive internal education program conducted by the Michigan Catholic Conference that brought the Church’s teaching on adult and embryonic stem cell research to over 500,000 Catholic homes.

Michigan Catholic Conference Vice President for Public Policy Paul Long said: “Considering 97 percent of those surveyed stated they will vote in the 2008 general election, this poll provides a strong indication of where a substantial block of Michigan voters stand on the issue of embryonic stem cell research. Michigan has an opportunity to lead the nation in promoting ethical and proven adult stem cell research—yet some have chosen instead to focus their energy on destructive research that leads to human cloning, benefits big biotech corporations and, according to medical and scientific experts, is unlikely to deliver treatments or cures anytime in the near future. While it has become clear that profits and patents are the strongest motivating factors for embryonic stem cell research supporters, adult stem cell research continues to benefit those who suffer from conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, juvenile diabetes and numerous forms of cancer.”

The statewide poll included the following questions and results:

1. Do you support or oppose medical stem cell research that kills the human embryo so the stem cells can be removed?
   • Support: 13 percent
   • Oppose: 80 percent
2. Do you support or oppose medical stem cell research that clones human embryos so the stem cells can be removed?
   • Support: 22 percent
   • Oppose: 68 percent
3. Do you support or oppose medical stem cell research that uses stem cells taken from human embryos?
   • Support: 31 percent
   • Oppose: 60 percent
4. Do you support or oppose medical stem cell research that uses adult stem cells or stem cells from umbilical cords?
   • Support: 84 percent
   • Oppose: 10 percent

The poll was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on October 17–18 and included 500 Catholic registered voters. It has a margin of error of 4.38 percent.

Michigan Catholic Conference is the official public policy voice of the Catholic Church in this state.

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