Contact: Sachin Chheda
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Results also show support for public investment in Wisconsin
MILWAUKEE—Citizens in southeastern Wisconsin demonstrate strong support for embryonic stem cell research, believe that effective therapies will result from the research, and believe by an overwhelming majority that continuing to conduct embryonic stem cell research is more important than allowing politics and religion to be injected into the debate, according to a new poll released today by Milwaukee Public Radio. In addition, the poll indicates tremendous support for new state investment in stem cell research.
“This poll confirms what Wisconsin Stem Cell Now has been saying since our inception – the people of Wisconsin want to see embryonic stem cell research continue, and support higher levels of public investment in this research,” said Ed Fallone, president of the statewide nonprofit advocacy organization.
In the survey, more than 93% of respondents agreed that stem cell therapy has great potential to treat many common diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and spinal cord injuries in innovative ways.
The poll also found that:
* By a 59%-33% majority (almost two to one), the public of southeastern Wisconsin thinks that conducting stem cell research is more important than not using embryos in research.
* More than 87% of those polled believe that stem cell science and technology has the potential to produce economic benefits and job growth in Wisconsin
* More than 86% of those polled believe that Wisconsin could be a worldwide leader in stem cell technology, and almost 75% feel that funding the emerging Wisconsin stem cell industry would help stop the “brain drain” of highly educated people moving to other states; and
* Almost 65% support lifting restrictions on stem cell research, and 62% support investing state dollars in stem cell research.
“We think that the unnecessary restrictions on embryonic stem cell research implemented by the Bush Administration should be lifted,” said Fallone. “Our neighbors in southeastern Wisconsin clearly agree.”
“We also believe the federal government should be investing in this potentially life-saving research,” continued Fallone. “This poll now shows that citizens in Wisconsin also support state investment, even in difficult budget times. Wisconsin has devoted millions of dollars to bricks and mortar. What would accelerate the progress of research now would be state funding of seed grants for researchers and grants for tools and technology in the laboratory.”
“In addition, citizens who want to see stem cell research continue in Wisconsin need to support pro-stem cell candidates in the up-coming election,” said Fallone. “Electing pro-stem cell candidates will help remove unnecessary restrictions, open access to crucial federal funding dollars, and help in the fight for continued state investment.”
Poll methodology is available at Milwaukee Public Radio’s website, at http://www.wuwm.com.
Wisconsin Stem Cell Now includes medical doctors, business leaders, academics, and the organization’s board includes both Republicans and Democrats. Many of Wisconsin Stem Cell Now’s members are affected by, or have family members affected by, chronic disease, such as diabetes, paralysis, cancer and heart disease.
