Survey Results

We surveyed 284 Davidson College Students, and this is what they told us:

• 74% could correctly define stem cells.
• 68% knew there was more than one type - adult and embryonic.
• 76% of respondents agreed embryonic stem cell research was morally permissible, and 81% agreed adult stem cell research was morally permissible.
• 76% think the government should fund stem cell research.
• 80% thought stem cell research should be legislated at some level. Of these, 94% thought it should be legislated at the federal level.
• 52% were unaware of the current legal position of the US with regards to stem cell research. 37% correctly identified the current legal position.
• 63% think the possibility to cure diseases is the most beneficial aspect of stem cell research, and 34% think it is the idea of organ transplants.
• 45% think the most detrimental aspect of stem cell research is the quest for the perfect baby/human, 30% think it's the discarding of human embryos, and 18% think it's the prospect of human cloning. 37% of students think stem cell research will lead to cloning
• Overall, 45.6% of respondents support stem cell research, 15.4% strongly support, 9.2% are against it, and 1.8% are strongly against it, the remainder have neutral feelings.

 

Statements supporting stem cell research:

I fully support stem cell research because the prospect of saving lives outweighs the ethical dangers. 19-year-old practicing Episcopalian female

I believe it is permissible, but should be regulated so it doesn’t become a freaky private industry. 21-year-old non-practicing Unitarian female and Reproductive Health CIS major

I understand arguments that portray stem cell research as the commodification of human embryos, but I feel like the potential benefits to humanity outweigh the imagined dangers. 20-year-old male religion major

Statements opposing stem cell research:

Just as I am not admissible for testing as a human being, embryos are inadmissible for testing as human beings. Regarding this human life as “a collection of cells” is a slippery slope. 18-year-old practicing Roman Catholic female

The risk of detrimenting human life, the devalue of human life, the refusal to recognize God as the giver and creator of life. 19-year-old practicing Christian female did not correctly identify stem cells

Human babies shouldn’t be used for research no matter how they are obtained. 19-year-old practicing Baptist male

If we cure all diseases what would happen to our immune systems and bodies? 18-year-old practicing Episcopalian female

I don’t want people intentionally having abortions to provide stem cells. 21-year-old female psychology major

The sanctity of human life, which is an essential part of an orderly society, is under attack because I believe life starts at conception. 19-year-old practicing Episcopalian male

 

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