The Polls Trends: Public Opinion about Stem Cell Research across U.S. Elections and Legislative Debates, 2002 to 2010

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1 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 1 The Polls Trends: Public Opinion about Stem Cell Research across U.S. Elections and Legislative Debates, 2002 to 2010 by Matthew C. Nisbet American University Amy B. Becker Towson University January 9, 2014 Forthcoming at Public Opinion Quarterly Matthew C. Nisbet is Associate Professor of Communication at American University where he studies the role of communication, journalism and advocacy in debates over science, technology and the environment. You can read more about his research at Amy B. Becker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mass Communication & Communication Studies at Towson University in Towson, MD. Her research focuses on public opinion and citizen participation on controversial political issues, the effects of exposure and attention to political entertainment, new media, and science communication. Address all correspondence to: Nisbet@american.edu

2 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 2 The Polls Trends: Public Opinion about Stem Cell Research across U.S. Elections and Legislative Debates, 2002 to 2010 Abstract Analyzing available polling questions administered between 2002 and 2010, we review trends in public opinion about stem cell research. We specifically assess questions measuring public attention, knowledge, trust, and policy preferences. Across years, despite consistently low levels of scientific knowledge and understanding, an increasing proportion of Americans supported government funding for embryonic stem cell research and viewed such research as morally acceptable. Variations in relation to question wording effects, however, indicate that Americans remain relatively ambivalent about the moral trade offs involved in research, suggesting that public opinion could change in relation to focusing events and political conditions. Keywords: stem cell research, public opinion, scientific knowledge, trust, public attention

3 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 3 On March 9, 2009, newly elected President Barack Obama announced at a news conference that he would issue an executive order expanding Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, overturning the restrictions issued in 2001 by his predecessor, George W. Bush. Obama argued that his decision would bring the change that so many scientists and researchers; doctors and innovators; patients and loved ones have hoped for, and fought for, these past eight years (White House, 2009). According to Obama, his executive action reflected the will of the people: The majority of Americans from across the political spectrum, and of all backgrounds and beliefs have come to a consensus that we should pursue this research. That the potential it offers is great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight, the perils can be avoided (White House, 2009). In light of the emphasis placed on public opinion in the debate over stem cell research and the significant amount of political campaigning focused on the issue, we systematically review major polling trends over the past decade as they relate to elections, legislative debates, and key events. Our analysis builds on a previously published poll trends study assessing U.S. public opinion through early 2002 (Nisbet 2004). In the conclusion, we emphasize the need for continued tracking and evaluation of public preferences. As the science of stem cell research continues to evolve and as novel applications are developed, new legal and ethical questions will emerge creating incentives for political leaders to debate and contest Federal funding and regulation and for a variety of interest groups to mobilize public opinion on behalf of their preferred policy goals.

4 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 4 PUBLIC AWARENESS AND ATTENTION In the weeks immediately following Bush s 2001 nationally televised speech announcing restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, approximately 25 percent of Americans reported that they had either seen, read, or heard a lot about the debate. Yet by September 2002, this proportion had dropped to 13 percent (Nisbet 2004). Public attention appears to have increased, however, in correlation with the 2004 presidential election. As Democrats campaigned on a platform to expand funding, 42 percent and 47 percent of Americans in polls that year said that they had heard a lot about the debate over federal funding (Table 1). Other poll questions administered following the 2004 election asked respondents to assess how closely they followed stories about stem cell research, or the debate over funding. In early 2005, with diminished campaign activity and news attention, between 12 and 18 percent of Americans said they were following the topic very closely (Table 2). [Insert Table 1 and Table 2 about here.] As various researchers have tracked, the debate over stem cell research, however, would soon rise again to a place of prominence on the national agenda and as a subject of campaigning across states (Goidel and Nisbet, 2006; Nisbet and Goidel, 2007; Ho et al., 2011). In 2006 and 2007, Congress passed legislation expanding funding for embryonic stem cell research. Bush vetoed both bills, explaining his decision in speeches carried live on cable news. Stem cell research also factored prominently in the 2006 midterm elections, shaping the Missouri Senate race, the Wisconsin Governors race, and other contests across the country (Becker et al., 2010). Corresponding with these events, in June 2006, the proportion saying they were following the issue very closely had increased to 24 percent, with attention remaining stable through August 2006 (Table 2). Similarly, Pew surveys administered in July 2005 and 2006 indicated that the

5 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 5 proportion of Americans hearing a lot about the issue was equivalent to awareness during the 2004 election (Table 1). Other survey items queried the public about its attention to specific political events or decisions. In 2006 and 2007, approximately 1 out of 5 Americans said they had followed stories very closely about either the Congressional passage of a stem cell bill (19 percent) or the veto by Bush of similar legislation (21 percent). In 2009, when Obama announced his decision to expand funding, 31 percent reported that they were following stories about the decision very closely (Table 3). Surveys also asked respondents to assess the biggest influence on their thinking about the issue. In February 2002, 34 percent said the media was the strongest influence, followed by education (22 percent) and religious beliefs (18 percent). In July 2005, however, education (23 percent) and religious beliefs (23 percent) were now equivalent in their perceived influence to the media (24 percent). Personal experience was also more likely in 2005 to be named as an influence than in 2002 (Table 4). [Insert Table 3 and Table 4 about here.] SCIENTIFIC UNDERSTANDING AND POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE Consistent with earlier findings (Nisbet 2004), surveys across years indicate that the public reported being unclear about the scientific and policy details of the stem cell debate. Between 2005 and 2010, less than 1 in 4 Americans said they were very clear about the differences between stem cells that come from embryos and adult cell sources (Table 5). Only 1 in 10 Americans said they were very clear about the differences between human reproductive cloning and human therapeutic cloning (Table 6.) [Insert Table 5 and Table 6 about here.]

6 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 6 When Americans were asked in 2005 and 2007 about the types of stem cells that might offer the greatest promise for discovering new treatments, 14 percent and 22 percent indicated embryonic stem cell research (Table 7). In 2006, Pew asked a subsample of respondents who were either very interested or somewhat interested in stem cell research a series of true or false questions assessing basic knowledge. Among this interested group, only 54 percent answered correctly that there were two major types of stem cells (adult and embryonic), with 27 percent saying they didn t know. In addition, only 37 percent knew that adult stem cells had been used for many years in the treatment of cancer. Similarly, only 27 percent understood correctly that there were fewer than 100 stem cell lines available for Federal funding (Horrigan, 2006). Yet in contrast, during the 2004 election, most Americans could correctly identify the presidential candidates positions on government funding. Between September and October 2004, knowledge of Bush s position on funding increased from 58 percent of registered voters to 68 percent. Awareness of Kerry s position increased from 43 percent to 68 percent (Table 8). [Insert Table 7 and Table 8 about here.] TRUST AND PERCEIVED AUTHORITY Previous research has found that in debates over science-related issues, the public has a tendency to strongly trust if not defer to the judgments of scientists and their organizations (Brossard & Nisbet, 2006; Nisbet & Scheufele, 2009). Survey findings specific to stem cell research are consistent with these conclusions. In September 2001, following Bush s decision, 86 percent of Americans said they trusted either a lot (39 percent) or some (47 percent) of the information provided by scientific and medical researchers. Similarly, 81 percent said the same of specialists in medical ethics. Trust in these two expert groups was substantially higher than any other social group including family and friends (58 percent), religious leaders (54 percent),

7 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 7 President Bush (49 percent), the news media (46 percent), and members of Congress (41 percent) (VCU, 2001). In 2004, a similar pattern was observed. Health organizations and celebrities in support of expanded funding were trusted by at least 70 percent of Americans. In comparison, slightly more than 50 percent trusted Bush or religious leaders (Civil Society Institute, 2004). Questions carried on the 2006 and 2010 General Social Surveys were designed to measure the perceived cultural authority of medical researchers relative to other groups (Nisbet & Scheufele 2009). In this case, across the two surveys, more than 50 percent of respondents believed that medical researchers understood stem cell research very well; that they supported what was best for the country rather than what would serve their best interests, and that they should have either a great deal or fair amount of influence over decisions. In comparison, less than a majority believed the same thing of either religious leaders or elected officials (Tables 9, 10, 11). [Insert Table 9, Table 10, and Table 11 about here.] MORAL ACCEPTABILITY AND SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH & FUNDING Previous studies have shown, not unexpectedly, that beliefs about the moral acceptability of research are among the strongest factors shaping policy preferences and political choices (Nisbet, 2004). With this relationship in mind, it is useful to evaluate poll questions as they relate to moral sentiments. Since 2002, Gallup has annually asked Americans about their beliefs concerning the moral acceptability of stem cells obtained from human embryos. Across years, belief in the moral acceptability of research increases from the low 50 percent range to 60 percent by Two years later, in 2007, beliefs peaked at 64 percent, dropped to 57 percent in 2009, and stood at 60 percent in 2013 (Table 12). Pew has asked the public to consider moral trade-offs in a different way. Respondents were asked which is more important: conducting

8 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 8 stem cell research that might result in new medical cures, or not destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in this research. Support for conducting research across years increased from 43 percent in 2002 to a high of 60 percent in Support decreased slightly to the lower 50 percent range through 2009 (Table 13). [Insert Table 12 and Table 13 about here.] Other surveys measure generalized support for research. In 2001, a VCU survey found that 48 percent of Americans either strongly favored (17 percent) or somewhat favored (31 percent) medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos. The combined proportion favoring research steadily increased to 58 percent in 2005, with this proportion remaining relatively consistent through the 2008 election. But in 2010, the last year the question was asked, the proportion favoring research had increased to 62 percent (Table 14). ABC News asked respondents more directly, do you support or oppose embryonic stem cell research, with support increasing from 63 percent in 2004 to 68 percent in 2007 (Table 15). [Insert Table 14 and Table 15 about here.] A number of survey firms across years have asked Americans about their specific support for federal funding for embryonic research and/or to evaluate specific decisions by political leaders. During the 2004 presidential campaign, Gallup found that 55 percent of respondents believed that the government should either place no restrictions on government funding or ease current restrictions. This proportion remained relatively steady through 2009, the last year the survey was asked [Table 16]. [Insert Table 16 about here.]

9 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 9 On the topic of federal funding, question-wording effects are also evident. Consider that when Newsweek in a series of polls primed respondents to consider specifically the use of their federal tax dollars to fund medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos, [emphasis added], support was approximately 50 percent in 2004 and 2006 [Table 17]. In comparison, consider the wording effects observed in polls commissioned by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, among the leading opponents of federal funding. The questions emphasized the use of experiments on live embryos that would be destroyed in their first week of development. Respondents were then asked if they supported using their federal tax dollars for such experiments? [Emphasis added]. Given this focus in the question, public support was much lower ranging from 43 percent in 2004 to 38 percent in 2010 [Table 18]. [Insert Table 17 and Table 18 about here.] Surveys taken in the days and weeks after Bush s August 9, 2001 announcement indicated that the president s decision was received favorably by a majority of Americans, as the polls were fairly consistent in showing between 50 percent and 60 percent support (Nisbet, 2004). Yet by 2006 and 2007, public approval for Bush s decision-making on stem cell research had shifted. When asked during those years about Bush s veto of Congressional legislation expanding funding, only 31 percent and 36 percent of respondents favored the president s decision [Table 19]. In contrast, when in 2009, President Obama announced that he would expand funding for research, 63 percent and 67 percent said they favored the decision [Table 20]. [Insert Table 19 and Table 20 about here.] CONCLUSION Public attention to the debate over stem cell research appears to have followed in direct correlation to the level of campaign activity across years and the mobilization efforts of those

10 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 10 advocating on behalf of expanded funding. However, even those saying they were interested in the issue, held relatively limited knowledge of the scientific and policy details specific to the debate. In contrast, most Americans, across elections, could accurately identify the positions of the presidential candidates and political parties on the issue. Across years, belief in the moral acceptability of research and public support for government funding increased. Research advocates likely benefited in their communication efforts from the strong levels of trust that the public places in scientists, medical researchers, and their organizations. However, variations in relation to question wording effects indicate that public opinion remains relatively ambivalent and susceptible to change. This variability underscores the need for polling firms and organizations to continue to track public opinion about different forms of stem cell research. Scientific uncertainties remain as do many ethical, legal, and policy questions. The 2016 presidential election is likely to re-introduce the debate, as Republican candidates pledge to overturn Obama s decision to expand funding and as Democrats counter by using the Republican pledge to engage moderate voters.

11 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 11 REFERENCES Becker, A. B., Dalrymple, K. E., Brossard, D., Scheufele, D. A., and Gunther, A. C. (2010). Getting Citizens Involved: How Controversial Policy Debates Stimulate Issue Participation During a Political Campaign. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 22(2), Brossard, D. and Nisbet, M.C. (2007). Deference to Scientific Authority Among a Low Information Public: Understanding American Views About Agricultural Biotechnology. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 19, (1), Civil Society Institute (2004). 3 out of 4 Americans Support Nancy Reagan s Call for More Stem Cell Research. Newton, MA, June 16. Available at: 0cell%20research%20survey%20news%20release.pdf Goidel, K. and Nisbet, M.C. (2006). Exploring the Roots of Public Participation in the Controversy Over Stem Cell Research and Cloning. Political Behavior, 28 (2), Ho, S. S., Binder, A. R., Becker, A. B., Moy, P., Scheufele, D. A., Brossard, D., and Gunther, A.C. (2011). The Role of Perceptions of Media Bias in General and Issue-Specific Political Participation. Mass Communication and Society, 14(3), Nisbet, M.C. (2004). The Polls: Public Opinion about Stem Cell Research and Human Cloning. Public Opinion Quarterly, 68 (1), Nisbet, M.C. and Goidel, R.K. (2007). Understanding Citizen Perceptions of Science Controversy: Bridging the Ethnographic-Survey Research Divide. Public Understanding of Science, 16, (4),

12 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 12 Nisbet, M.C. and Scheufele, D.A. (2009). What s Next for Science Communication? Promising Directions and Lingering Distractions. American Journal of Botany, 96(10), Horrigan, J. (2006). The Internet as a Resource for News and Information about Science. Pew Internet & American Life Project. Washington, D.C, Nov. 20. Available at: Information-about-Science.aspx VCU Life Sciences Survey (2001). Americans Welcome Scientific Advances with Caution. Richmond, VA: Virginia Commonwealth University. Available at: White House, The (2009). Remarks of President Barack Obama as Prepared for Delivery Signing of Stem Cell Executive Order and Scientific Integrity Presidential Memorandum. U.S. Government, Office of the Press Secretary. Available at: Delivery-Signing-of-Stem-Cell-Executive-Order-and-Scientific-Integrity-Presidential- Memorandum

13 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 13 APPENDIX Data Sources and Abbreviations Survey questions and results were identified through the ipoll data archive administered by the Roper Center for Public Opinion. Further polls were retrieved from the data archives of pollingreport.com or through a Web search. Most of the surveys cited are based on national adult samples with sample size of approximately 1,000 or more, with exceptions as noted. The questions cited were drawn from surveys conducted by the following survey organizations, news organizations, policy centers, or advocacy groups: ABC/WPost: ABC News with Washington Post. Survey conducted by TNS Intersearch. Gallup: Gallup Organization with CNN & USA Today GSS: General Social Survey. Survey conducted by National Opinion Research Center. HealthPulse: Survey conducted by Stony Brook University Center for Survey Research. Kaiser: Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, Harvard School of Public Health. Survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates. Marist: Marist Institute for Public Opinion. NBC/WSJ: NBC News and The Wall Street Journal. Survey conducted by Hart and McInturff Research Companies. NCCB: National Council of Catholic Bishops. Survey conducted by International Communications Research. Newsweek: Newsweek magazine. Survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Pew Forum: Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Surveys across years conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates (PSRAI) and by Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas. Pew Internet: Pew Internet & American Life Project in collaboration with The Exploratorium. Survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI). Pew News: Pew Weekly News Interest Index Poll. Survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation. Pew Press: Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. Survey conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI).

14 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 14 VCU: Virginia Commonwealth University Life Sciences Survey. Survey conducted by VCU Center for Public Policy. Gallup: All polls done by telephone samples are RDD with respondent gender randomized within household. Cell phones included beginning in Response rates (AAPOR RR3): 5/02-17%; 5/03-18%; 5/04-17%; 10/04-18%; 5/05-18%; 5/06-15%; 7/06-16%; 4/07-16%; 5/07-16%; 5/08-10%; 2/09-12%; 5/09-12%; 5/10-10%; 5/11-9%; 5/12-10%; 5/13-8%. General Social Survey: The sample is a multi-stage area probability sample at the block or segment level. The Primary Sampling Units (PSUs) employed are Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSAs) or non-metropolitan counties selected in NORC's Master Sample. These SMSAs and counties were stratified by region, age, and race before selection. The units of selection of the second stage were block groups (BGs) and enumeration districts (EDs). These EDs and BGs were stratified according to race and income before selection. The third stage was the selection of the blocks. The blocks were selected with probabilities proportional to size. In places without block statistics, measures of size for the blocks were obtained by field counting. The method was personal interviews. Response rates (AAPOR RR5): %; % Healthpulse: Telephone interviews were conducted between September 13th and September 29th 2004, by the Stony Brook University Center for Survey Research. A list-assisted method of random-digit-dialing (RDD) was used to obtain phone numbers in the sample. Numbers were purchased from Genesys. Response rate (AAPOR RR5): 22%. Henry J. Kaiser Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health: The sample used for this survey was obtained by list-assisted random digit dialing (RDD). In the 8/05 and 6/05 surveys, once contacted, interviewers asked to speak with the youngest adult male currently at home. If no male was available, based on a random rotation, the interviewers asked to speak with the youngest OR oldest adult female at home. In 8/06, if no male was available, the interviewers asked to speak with the youngest adult female at home. Response rates (AAPOR RR3): 8/06 32%; 8/05 28%; 6/05 30%. Marist Institute for Public Opinion: This survey of 1,204 United States residents was conducted on April 21st through April 23rd, Residents 18 years of age and older were interviewed by landline telephone. Landline telephone numbers were randomly selected based upon a list of all telephone exchanges nationwide from ASDE Survey Sampler, Inc. The exchanges were selected using quotas for 9 geographic areas of the nation to ensure that each region was represented in proportion to its population as reported in the 2006 Census estimates. Respondents in the household were selected by asking for the youngest male. The sample was balanced to reflect the 2006 Census estimates for age, gender, income, race, and region. Results are statistically significant at +/- 3.0 percentage points. There were 975 registered voters. The results for this subset are statistically significant at +/- 3.5 percentage points. The error margin increases for cross-tabulations. Response rate (AAPOR RR3): 9%. National Council for Catholic Bishops: Telephone interviews were obtained through RDD. In 9/10, the omnibus ran as ABS for nine months before transitioning back to RDD. Response rates (AAPOR RR3): 8/04 9.6%; 5/05 9.1%; 5/ %; 9/10 5.4%.

15 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 15 Newsweek: All surveys were done via using a list-assisted RDD landline sample. In 10/04, the interviewer asked to speak to the youngest adult male at home. If no male was at home, the interviewer asked to speak to oldest adult female. In 8/06 and 10/06, interviewer asked to speak to the youngest adult male at home. If no male was at home, interviewer asked to speak to youngest adult female. Response rates (AAPOR RR3): 10/04 24%; 8/06 24%; 10/06 N/A. VCU: All surveys were conducted by either landline or cell phone. The sample of landline and cell telephone numbers was designed so that all residential telephones, including new and unlisted numbers, had a known chance of inclusion. The data used was weighted to adjust for unequal probabilities of selection due to multiple adults living in the household. In addition, the data are weighted on sex, age, education, race/ethnicity, and region to reflect the demographic composition of the adult population in the U.S. The surveys in 2008 and 2010 were additionally weighted by population density. All percentages reported in the current study s figures and tables are weighted. Response rates (AAPOR RR3) %; %; %; %; %; %; %; %(land), 20% (cell). Specific AAPOR response rates were requested but not provided by the ABC News/WPost; NBC News/WSJ; Pew Forum; Pew News; and Pew Press.

16 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 16 Table 1. Public Awareness As you may know, the federal government has debated whether to fund certain kinds of medical research know as 'stem cell research' How much have you heard about this? A lot, a little, nothing at all? Pew Press Pew Press Pew News Pew Forum Pew Forum Pew Forum 8/04 12/04 7/05 7/06 8/07 3/09 a % % % % % % A lot A little Nothing at all Don t * 1 * * * 1 know/refused N 1,512 2,000 1,502 2,003 3,002 1,308 * less than.5% a How much, if anything, would you say you have heard about the issue of embryonic stem cell research? A lot, a little, nothing at all

17 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 17 Table 2. Attention to Issue I have a few questions specifically about stem cell research How closely do you follow stories about stem cell research--very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely? Pew Internet Gallup Kaiser Kaiser Kaiser 2/05 5/05 a 6/05 b 8/05 b 8/06 c % % % % % Very closely Fairly closely Not too closely Not at all closely Don't * * * 1 2 know/refused N 2,000 1,006 1,202 1,205 1,216 * less than.5% a How closely have you been following the issue of stem cell research: very closely, somewhat closely, not too closely, or not at all? b (Now I'm going to read you a list of some stories covered by news organizations in the last month or so. As I read each one, tell me if you happened to follow this news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely. How closely did you follow this story?) The debate in Congress over funding for embryonic stem cell research. Did you follow this story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely? c (I'm going to read you a list of some stories covered by news organizations in the last month or so. As I read each one, tell me if you happened to follow this news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely. How closely did you follow this story?) The debate in Washington about stem cell research (If necessary, ask:) Did you follow this story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely?

18 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 18 Table 3. Interest in Legislation PEW PRESS: Now I will read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past month. As I read each item, tell me if you happened to follow this news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely The passage of a bill in Congress allowing stem cell research. 1/06 6/07 a 3/09 b % % % Very closely Fairly closely Not too closely Not at all closely Don't know/refused 1 1 * N 1,464 1,017 1,000 * less than.5% a (As I read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past week, tell me if you happened to follow each news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely.) George (W.) Bush's veto of a bill that would have expanded federally funded stem cell research (If necessary, ask:) Did you follow George (W.) Bush's veto of a bill that would have expanded federally funded stem cell research very closely, fairly closely, not too closely or not at all closely? b (As I read a list of some stories covered by news organizations this past week, please tell me if you happened to follow each news story very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely.) Barack Obama's decision on federal funding for stem cell research (If necessary, ask:) Did you follow Barack Obama's decision on federal funding for stem cell research very closely, fairly closely, not too closely, or not at all closely?

19 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 19 Table 4. Sources of Influence Which one of the following has had the biggest influence on your thinking on this issue (the government should/should not fund stem cell research/it depends)? A personal experience, the views of your friends and family, what you have seen or read in the media, your religious beliefs, your education, or something else. Pew Forum Pew News 2/02 7/05 % % Read in media Education Religious beliefs Personal experience 7 14 Views of friends, family 4 5 Something else Don t know / refused 2 1 N 2,002 1,502

20 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 20 Table 5. Scientific Understanding VCU: How clear are you, personally, on the difference between: stem cells that come from human embryos; stem cells that come from adults; and stem cells that come from other sources, such as an umbilical cord? Are you very clear, somewhat clear, not too clear, or not at all clear? 9/05 11/06 12/07 a 12/08 a 5/10 a % % % % % Very clear Somewhat clear 44 Not very clear Not at all clear Don t know/ no answer N 1,002 1,000 1,000 1,005 1,001 a How clear are you, personally, on the difference between: stem cells that come from human embryos; stem cells that come from adults; and stem cells that come from other sources? Are you very clear, somewhat clear, not too clear, or not at all clear?

21 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 21 Table 6. Knowledge About Cloning VCU: There are several different terms used when it comes to human cloning technology. How clear are you personally, on the difference between human reproductive cloning and human therapeutic cloning very clear, somewhat clear, not very clear, or not at clear. 9/02 9/03 9/04 9/05 11/06 12/07 12/08 % % % % % % % Very clear Somewhat clear 31 Not very clear 29 Not at all clear Don t know No answer N 1,000 1,003 1,004 1,002 1,000 1,000 1,005

22 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 22 Table 7. New Treatments for Disease VCU: In your opinion, which do you think offers the greatest promise for discovering new treatments for disease: embryonic stem cell research, adult stem cell research, or research using stem cells from other sources, such as an umbilical cord? 9/05 11/07 % % Embryonic stem cell research Adult stem cell research 7 17 Research using stem cells from other sources All three equal (vol) 7 4 None of these (vol) 3 2 Don t know No answer 6 4 N 1,002 1,000

23 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 23 Table 8. Support for Federal Funds HEALTH PULSE: As far as you know, is [George W. Bush / John Kerry] in favor or opposed to the use of federal funds for stem cell research which involves the destruction of living embryos? 9/04 10/04 9/04 10/04 % % % % Bush Bush Kerry Kerry In favor Opposed Don t know Refused N * National sample of registered voters only. The respondents were originally interviewed September 13-29, 2004 and re-interviewed October following the presidential debate held on October 13, 2004.

24 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 24 Table 9. Reference Group Understanding of Stem Cell Research GSS: Here is another public issue: research that uses human embryonic stem cells. These are cells from human embryos that can develop into many different types of tissue. Some say that cells taken from human embryos are uniquely valuable in medical research. Others say that the same discoveries can be made without destroying living embryos Please look at Card B6. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means 'very well' and 5 means 'not at all', how well do the following groups understand stem cell research? % % % % % % Medical researchers Religious leaders Elected officials Medical researchers Religious leaders Elected officials 1 Very well Not at all Don t know N 4,510 4,510 4,510 2,043 2,043 2,043

25 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 25 Table 10. Perceptions of Reference Group Support GSS: Here is another public issue: research that uses human embryonic stem cells. These are cells from human embryos that can develop into many different types of tissue. Some say that cells taken from human embryos are uniquely valuable in medical research. Others say that the same discoveries can be made without destroying living embryos (Please look at Card B9. When making policy recommendations about stem cell research (on a scale of 1 to 5), to what extent do you think the following groups would support (1) what is best for the country as a whole or (5) what serves their own narrow interests? % % % % % % Medical researchers Religious leaders Elected officials Medical researchers Religious leaders Elected officials 1 Best for country Serves narrow interest Don t know N 4,510 4,510 4,510 2,043 2,043 2,043

26 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 26 Table 11. Reference Group Influence on Federal Funding GSS: Here is another public issue: research that uses human embryonic stem cells. These are cells from human embryos that can develop into many different types of tissue. Some say that cells taken from human embryos are uniquely valuable in medical research. Others say that the same discoveries can be made without destroying living embryos Please look at Card B8. How much influence should each of the following groups have in deciding about government funding for stem cell research? Would you say a great deal of influence, a fair amount, a little influence, or none at all? % % % % % % Medical researchers Religious leaders Elected officials Medical researchers Religious leaders Elected officials Great deal A fair amount A little None at all Don t know N 4,510** 4,510** 4,510** 2,043* 2,043* 2,043* * Asked of 1/4 of sample. ** Asked of 1/5 of sample.

27 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 27 Table 12. Moral Acceptability of Embryonic Stem Cell Research GALLUP: Next, I m going to read you a list of issues. Regardless of whether or not you think it should be legal, for each one, please tell me whether you personally believe that in general it is morally acceptable or morally wrong. How about medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos? 5/02 5/03 5/04 5/05 5/06 5/07 5/08 5/09 5/10 5/11 5/12 5/13 % % % % % % % % % % % % Morally acceptable Morally wrong Depends on situation (vol) Not a 1 * * * * * * 1 * * * * moral issue (vol) No opinion N 1,012 1,005 1,000 1,006 1,002 1,003 1,017 1,015 1,029 1,018 1,024 1,535 * less than.5%

28 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 28 Table 13. Support for Research All in all, which is more important: conducting stem cell research that might result in new medical cures, or not destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in this research? Conducting stem cell research that might result in new medical cures Not destroying the potential life of human embryos used in this research Don t know / refused Pew Forum Pew News Pew Press Pew News Pew Forum Pew Press Pew Forum Pew Press 3/02 8/04 12/04 7/05 7/06 11/06 8/07 3/09 % % % % % % % % N 2,002 1,512 2,000 1,502 2,003 2,912 3,002 1,308

29 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 29 Table 14. Support for Medical Research Using Human Embryos VCU: On the whole, how much do you favor or oppose medical research that uses stem cells from human embryos do you strongly favor, somewhat favor, somewhat oppose, or strongly oppose this? 9/01 9/02 9/03 9/04 9/05 11/06 11/07 11/08 11/10 % % % % % % % % % Strongly favor Somewhat favor Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don t know N 1,122 1,000 1,003 1,004 1,002 1,000 1,000 1,005 1,001

30 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 30 Table 15. Support for Embryonic Stem Cell Research ABC/WPost: Do you support or oppose embryonic stem cell research? 4/04 6/05 4/07 % % % Oppose Support Don t know / refused N 1,082* 1,002 1,141** * The sample of 1,082 includes an oversample of Catholics for a total of 284 Catholic respondents. Results have been weighted to be representative of a national adult population. Interviews were conducted by TNS Intersearch. ** National adult sample including an oversample of blacks. Results were weighted to be representative of a national adult population. Interviews were conducted by TNS Intersearch.

31 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 31 Table 16. Support for Government Funding GALLUP: As you may know, the federal government currently provides very limited funding for medical research that uses stem cells obtained from human embryos. Which would you prefer the government to do: place no restrictions on government funding of stem cell research, ease the current restrictions to allow more stem cell research, keep the current restrictions in place, or should the government not fund stem cell research at all? 10/04 5/05 4/07 2/09 % % % % No restrictions Ease current restrictions Keep current restrictions Not fund research at all Unsure N 1,015 1,006 1,007 1,013

32 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 32 Table 17. Support for Federal Funding of Research NEWSWEEK: Do you favor or oppose using federal tax dollars to fund medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos? 10/04 8/06 10/06 % % % Favor Oppose Unsure N 1,126 1,002 1,002

33 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 33 Table 18. Support for Funding Human Embryonic Research NCCB: Stem cells are the basic cells from which all of a person s tissues and organs develop. Congress is considering the question of federal funding for experiments using stem cells from human embryos. The live embryos would be destroyed in their first week of development to obtain these cells. Do you support or oppose using your federal tax dollars for such experiments? 8/04 5/05 5/06 9/10 % % % % Support Oppose Don t know Refused * N 1,001 1,010 1,022 1,006

34 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 34 Table 19. Support for George W. Bush s Veto of Federal Funding Bill As you may know, earlier this week, President (George W.) Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Do you approve or disapprove of his decision to veto this bill? Gallup NBC/WSJ 7/06 7/06 a,b % % Favor Oppose Unsure 6 6 N 1,005 1,010 a Recently, President (George W.) Bush vetoed the bill which would have expanded federal funding for stem cell research. Do you favor or oppose his decision not to expand funding for this? (If Favor/Oppose, ask:) And do you strongly or somewhat favor/oppose this? b In table, original response categories are collapsed from Strongly Favor 22%; Somewhat Favor 9%; Somewhat oppose 16%; Strongly oppose 47%; Not sure 6%. c As you may know, President (George W.) Bush has said he will veto a bill to expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. Do you think Bush should--or should not--veto this bill?

35 The Polls: Stem Cell Research 35 Table 20. Support for Barack Obama s Decision to Permit Federal Funding for Embryonic Stem Cell Research Do you approve or disapprove of Barack Obama's decision to permit federal funding for most embryonic stem cell research? Pew Press Marist 4/09 4/09 a % % Favor Oppose Unsure 10 4 N 1,507 1,204 a Do you approve or disapprove of President (Barack) Obama providing federal funding for stem cell research?