New Jersey Voters On Stem Cell And SCNT Research

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New Jersey Voters On Stem Cell And SCNT Research
Survey among 605 likely voters statewide
Conducted March 8 10, 2005 for
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Survey Methodology

• Survey among 605 voters who say they are certain
  or very likely to vote in the 2005 general
  elections in New Jersey, conducted March 8 10,
  2005
• Respondents contacted using random-digit-dial
  (RDD) sampling method
  
• Margin of error 4.0 among the full sample,
  higher among subgroups

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Majority Support NJ Stem Cell Ballot Initiative
Vote on Ballot Initiative
Shall the State of New Jersey issue bonds in the
amount of 230 million for the purpose of
funding adult and embryonic stem cell research.
The grants would be judged by international
experts on stem cell research as to their
potential in developing into cures. An ethics
review panel also would review the grants to
ensure that all research conducted complies with
federal and New Jersey guidelines. The grants
would be given out over a seven-year period, and
the State of New Jersey would receive 5 of all
royalties on any medical break-throughs produced
with research funded by the grants.
Undecided
Nofeel strongly
Yesfeel strongly
-31
61
Nodont feel strongly
Yesdont feel strongly
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Majority Support NJ Stem Cell Ballot Initiative
Vote on Ballot Initiative
VoteYes 734065 575879
VoteNo 205028 353518
Undecided
Nofeel strongly
DemocratsRepublicansIndependents
CatholicsProtestantsJewish
Yesfeel strongly
-31
61
Nodont feel strongly
Yesdont feel strongly
5
Voters Strongly Support Embryonic Stem Cell
Research
68
63
28
24
National/Feb 2005
New Jersey
6
Support For Stem Cell Research Increases With
Explanation
Embryonic stem cells are special cells that can
develop into every type of cell in the human
body. The stem cells are extracted from
embryonic cells produced in fertility clinics and
then frozen days after fertilization. If a
couple decides that the fertilized eggs are no
longer needed, they can either be donated for
research or the clinic will throw them away.
Scientists have had success in initial research
with embryonic stem cells and believe that they
can be developed into cures for diseases such as
cancer, Parkinson's, heart disease, juvenile
diabetes, and spinal cord injuries.
77
72
25
22
New Jersey
National/Feb 2005
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Strong Majority Support For SCNT Stem Cell
Research
Support for SCNT Stem Cell Research
In the SCNT process, scientists remove the DNA
from an unfertilized human egg and replace it
with genetic material, such as skin cells or
heart tissue, from a human patient. No sperm is
used in the process. Scientists then use this to
grow stem cells that can be used for further
research into cures or to treat a patient's
disease.
Not sure
Stronglyfavor
Oppose
77
Somewhatfavor
Before hearing the description, only 16 of New
Jersey voters say they had heard of SCNT stem
cell research.
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Impact Of Information OnStem Cell Initiative Vote
Bans research on embryos produced for profit
Forbids funding for human cloning
Permits funding for embryonic stem cell research
Permits funding for SCNT stem cell research
Funds all types of stem cell research
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Informed Vote On Stem Cell Ballot Initiative
Informed Vote on Ballot Initiative
Undecided
Yesvoters
Novoters
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Voters Want To Decide On Future Of Stem Cell
Initiative
Regardless of how you would vote on the stem cell
research initiative, is this an issue that should
be decided by the NJ legislature or by the voters?
Not sure
Voters should decide/feel strongly
Legislature should decide
Voters should decide/dontfeel strongly
83
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State Legislators Benefit From Supporting Stem
Cell Initiative
If my state legislator supported the stem cell
research initiative
I would be LESSlikely to votefor him/her
Not sure
I would be MORElikely to votefor him/her
20
It would make no difference to me
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Reaction To Arguments Against NJ Stem Cell
Initiative
Fiscally irresponsible research when facing
deficit Cant afford tax bond issue, even w/promi
sed cures SCNT research creates human life to des
troy it NJ has more importanthealth care priorit
ies Enough private sector money to fund research
Leads down slippery slope to cloning Destroys
an unborn human Unlikely therapy will cure compl
ex diseases/Alzheimers
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Initiatives Support Remains Strong
INITIAL Vote On NJ Stem Cell Research Ballot
Initiative(230 million bond issue)
FINAL Vote On NJ Stem Cell Research Ballot
Initiative(230 million bond issue)
Undecided
No (strong)
Yes (strong)
-31
No(not strong)
61
Yes(not strong)
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New Jersey Voters On Stem Cell And SCNT Research
Survey among 605 likely voters statewide
Conducted March 8 10, 2005 for