Public values science but wary of cloning, stem cell research

By Cary Funk and Thomas Huff

RICHMOND, Va. – Americans clearly value the contributions of science to society but are wary of cloning and other new scientific technologies, according to a nationwide survey conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University.  Survey results show that ambivalence toward scientific developments is evident in a number of areas including a clear drop in support for medical research using embryonic stem cells compared to just one year ago. This underlying ambivalence is poised to continue as new scientific technologies bring new business opportunities for private industry. 

The VCU Life Sciences Survey was conducted by telephone with 1000 adults nationwide, September 4-16, 2002. The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3 percentage points. This is the second annual VCU Life Sciences survey conducted for VCU Life Sciences by the VCU Center for Public Policy.

Survey highlights: 

Strong Objections to Human Cloning

·         The idea of human cloning elicits strong opposition among the American public. 81 percent are either somewhat or strongly opposed to cloning and most of these are strongly opposed to it. Just 16 percent favor human cloning. Seven in ten consider it morally wrong for businesses to use human cloning technology in developing new products while just 19 percent think this is morally acceptable. Even those who consider themselves clear about the differences between therapeutic and reproductive cloning expressed strong opposition to cloning. Less opposition is found for cloning if it is limited to research for the treatment of disease. Under these conditions, 45 percent are in favor while 51 percent are opposed. 

Support for Stem Cell Research Drops

·         When federal funding for stem cell research from human embryos was discussed a year ago, it looked like public support was behind the research. A year later, only 35 percent favor stem cell research whereas 51 percent are opposed. Opinion on this issue tracks closely with views about abortion. 

Positive and Negative Contributions of Science

·         Overwhelming majorities believe that developments in science have helped make society better (85 percent) and agree that “scientific research is essential for improving the quality of human lives” (90 percent). When asked to name the most positive contribution of science, the most frequently mentioned areas were health and medical advances (27 percent) and computer technology (24 percent). 

·         At the same time, clear majorities have reservations about the role of science in society. Sixty-nine percent agree that “scientific research these days doesn’t pay enough attention to the moral values of society” and six in 10 agree that “scientific research has created as many problems for society as it has solutions.” When asked to name the most negative contribution of science, no single area stood out. More frequently mentioned areas included nuclear and other weapons, mass communications technology such as cell phones, computer technology and cloning.

Do Business and Science Mix?

·         Americans endorse a more skeptical view of scientists when thinking about the temptations to make money from new medical and scientific discoveries. Sixty-six percent agree with a statement indicating that the new business opportunities encourage scientists to cut corners on research quality. Similarly, 69 percent agree that the temptation to make money from new technologies puts pressure on scientists to pursue ideas that violate ethical principles. 

·         Recent restrictions on medical research have often applied only to research supported by federal funds while leaving research sponsored by private businesses untouched. When asked about this issue, 58 percent felt that the rules governing medical research should be the same for both federally-funded and private business research while 36 percent felt it was okay to have different rules in place. When making those rules, a majority-- at 53 percent -- feel that restrictions on medical research should take into account research practices in other countries while 41 percent feel U.S. laws should not take this into account.

Public Reactions to Disagreements in Science

·         While scientific and medical disagreements over recommendations and explanations for events and conditions are often in the news, the public appears to take these in with a fair amount of support and understanding. Eighty-six percent agree that when scientists disagree it helps scientific experts weed out weak theories and evidence. 

A complete report on the findings of the survey can be found at http://www.vcu.edu/lifesci/overview/polls.html.  For hard or fax copies of the complete report, call University News Services at 804/828-1231.