Findings of a statewide poll released today shows more than two-thirds (70 percent) of Nebraska registered voters support fetal cell research at UNMC. Nearly three-quarters of the registered voters contacted also indicated support for embryonic stem cell research should it be conducted in the future at the University of Nebraska. The poll was commissioned by Nebraskans for Research (NFR).
“After two-and-a-half years of public debate, voters in Nebraska have reached a consensus on this research — they support it overwhelmingly,” said Sanford M. Goodman, volunteer executive director for NFR, “and they favor a continued state role in it.”
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The poll, conducted from June 20-23 by Decision Research, Inc., also found that 66 percent of voters think the Nebraska Unicameral should continue to allow fetal cell research to be conducted at state facilities using state funds. Only one quarter of the voters would support a ban in Nebraska on such research and resulting treatments.
Saving lives
Fetal cell research has been ongoing for more than 60 years and has led to the development of important vaccines, such as those for polio and chicken pox, and has provided knowledge that has helped reduce the incidence of sudden infant death syndrome by more than 30 percent. Fetal cell research is now providing important advancements in the search for cures to Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, juvenile diabetes and other debilitating diseases.
“I was only 45 when I learned that I had Parkinson’s disease,” Gary Scritsmier, an attorney from Broken Bow, said at Wednesday’s news conference in Omaha. “This research is the major factor in giving me hope for the future. I am looking forward to better treatments of Parkinson’s disease symptoms and trust that someday they will find a cure and a way to prevent this disease altogether, so others don’t have to suffer.”
“Caring for a husband who has an Alzheimer’s related condition makes me passionate about the importance of continuing this research,” said Rosalee Yeaworth, a retired Omaha health care professional. “What we’re learning about Alzheimer’s disease may come too late to help my husband. But the work that’s being done now at UNMC could someday save others from the same fate.”
Poll findings
According to the poll, almost 90 percent of registered voters consider it important for Nebraska to lead the way in medical research. A majority (55 percent) of the voters considered this to be “very important.”
“Nebraskans are rightfully proud of the work that’s being done at the University of Nebraska Medical Center to advance the search for cures for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and other diseases,” said William F. Hickey, M.D., senior associate dean for academic affairs at Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, N.H. “As I travel around the country, and the world, it is clear that the medical research conducted at UNMC is making a positive difference to the health and lives of many people.”
Dr. Hickey, former professor and chairman of the department of pathology at Dartmouth Medical School, has been a member of the External Board of Advisors for UNMC’s Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders since its founding in 1997. He currently serves as its chairman.
In addition to the strong support for fetal cell research, the NFR poll also shows that nearly three-quarters of voters (73 percent) would support embryonic stem cell research were it to be conducted at the University of Nebraska. Only one-eighth (13 percent) of registered voters would oppose embryonic stem cell research.
Level of support
Nebraskans support fetal cell research across virtually every demographic category. Support was strong from both men (73 percent) and women (69 percent), among Democrats (78 percent), Republicans (66 percent) and Independents (69 percent) and in all three Congressional districts (District 1, 74 percent; District 2, 70 percent; District 3, 68 percent).
Support crossed religious categories, as well, with 72 percent of Protestants, 62 percent of Catholics and over 80 percent of those of other or no religious affiliation expressing support. In addition, support across age groups ranged from 68 percent to 72 percent (the latter for voters 50 and older) and across last year of education (65 percent to 76 percent).
Those identifying themselves as pro-choice showed 94 percent support for fetal cell research and those choosing not to identify their position on abortion showed 80 percent support, while those who identified themselves as pro-life were evenly split (47 percent support and oppose).
Obtain a summary report
A summary report of the poll results may be obtained by contacting Sandy Goodman at SMG@nebraskansforresearch.org, or faxing a request to 866-462-3990. The summary report will be available later at NFR’s web site (http://www.nebraskansforresearch.org).
Findings are based on 800 completed interviews among a random sample of registered voters in Nebraska. Sampling error is +/- 3.5 percent (higher for subgroups).
About Nebraskans for Research
Nebraskans for Research is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, membership-supported, public education and advocacy organization. Nebraskans for Research was formed in September 2000 to provide a positive voice in support of the continued development of medical research in Nebraska. Its members all share the belief that Nebraskans should continue to enjoy the superior quality of life benefits flowing from the state’s medical research institutions. Nebraskans for Research advocates making medical research a top investment priority for Nebraska and recognizes the importance of medical research leadership to our overall quality of life and the development of business and job growth.
About Decision Research, Inc.
Decision Research is a national public opinion research firm, with offices in Washington, D.C. and San Diego, California. The firm, which was founded in 1984, is experienced in all phases of focus group and survey research and has conducted public opinion research on behalf of governments and associations of governments, school districts, public agencies, elected officials, associations, non-profit interest groups, corporate clients, and ballot measure and political candidates in 38 states.