President George W. Bush’s veto last week of legislation that would increase federal funding for embryonic stem cell research marked another milestone in the ongoing debate over the moral and political implications of this emerging field of research.

He was resolute in his decision, but just 26% of American adults believe that embryonic stem cell research is morally wrong. A Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 adults taken in the days following the veto reveals that 49% of respondents find the research morally acceptable.

Among those who condone the practice, gender lines are evenly divided: 48% of men and 51% of women have no objection to research involving embryonic stem cells. Political affiliation offers greater separation: 41% of Republicans express moral opposition to such research versus just 17% of Democrats.

Among pro-choice Americans, only 9% say stem cell research is morally wrong while 72% disagree. Among pro-life Americans, 49% say it is morally wrong while 28% disagree.

According to the National Institutes of Health, embryonic stem cells are derived from eggs that have been fertilized in a lab via in vitro procedures and then donated for research purposes with the donors’ informed consent. Embryonic stem cells are argued to hold more promise for yielding medical breakthroughs due to their ability to produce the various cell types that make up the human body. Adult stem cells, though promising in their own regard, have limited regenerative capabilities.

When asked if they believe that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to produce cures to previously incurable diseases, 70% of those surveyed believe it is likely with 42% saying it is very likely.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of respondents report following the issue of stem cell research closely compared to 34% who say they haven’t been paying close attention and 58% say the issue will play an important role in their decisions when they go to the polls in November. Thirty-five percent (35%) believe the issue will have no bearing on their votes this fall.

Among those who say the issue is very important, 52% believe embryonic stem cell research is morally acceptable and 62% believe this field of research is very likely to lead to medical cures.

In spite of the veto, President Bush does not fully reject research involving embryonic stem cells. In 2001, his administration became the first to provide federal funding for such research using 60 existing stem cell lines derived from embryos that had been committed to research prior to his administration.

Last week’s veto was the first of his presidency.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members Only.