Only 22 percent paying attention?!

This is one, relatively small survey. But if it’s right, wow. It doesn’t reflect the awareness that should be out there by now about stem cell advancements.

Twenty two percent of adult Americans say embryonic stem cell research is no longer necessary after the discovery reported internationally in November that human skin cells can be used to create the equivalent of embryonic stem cells, according to a new survey released Wednesday.

There’s a disconnect right there. The debate was essentially over once that breakthrough was discovered and announced internationally. But 22 percent?

Let’s parse this a little more…

The survey, conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, is the first poll to reflect the blockbuster “skin stem cell” discovery.

When asked about the implications of this development, 63 percent say that both embryonic and non-embryonic stem cell research is still needed. However, 22 percent say this development means embryonic stem cell research is no longer necessary.

I’d like to know who they polled, since embryonic stem cell research is absolutely not needed, and the only people likely to argue in favor of it now are those in the biomedical industry who stand to profit hugely from it.

Three-quarters of the U.S. public supports stem cell research that does not involve human embryos. Majorities of nearly all groups in society, including those with differing beliefs about abortion and religious commitment, favor non-embryonic stem cell research, according to the survey.

So 75 percent of the population sees no need or has no desire for embryonic stem cell research. Though the wording is only slightly different between ‘doesn’t want’ or ‘sees no need’, that’s still three-quarters of the population. In light of that major breakthrough, it’s probably even higher, truth be told.

Speaking of telling the truth about stem cells, Monica sent along this link to an awareness campaign building to launch this summer. Sen. Sam Brownback is backing it, and it has a lot of potential for impact. Like the site says, look at the power of the message in the ubiquitous pink ribbons of the breast cancer awareness campaign and the yellow wrist bands for Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong Foundation.

Whether it’s 22 percent or 75, it needs to be 100. The science and the hope of moral stem cell technology is overwhelmingly good news. It needs to be spread.