5-May-2005 -- Catholic News Agency

POLL SAYS CATHOLIC DOCTORS SUPPORT BIRTH CONTROL, HOMOSEXUALITY, NOT EMBRYONIC STEM-CELL RESEARCH

NEW YORK, USA, May 5 (CNA) - A new study indicates that a majority of doctors, who identify themselves as Catholic, support birth control, homosexuality and the distribution of condoms, but they oppose embryonic stem-cell research, reported the Long Island Press.

The study shows that 87 percent of Catholic doctors responded that they would prescribe birth control pills when medically appropriate. Ninety percent support the distribution of condoms in developing countries. Half of Catholic doctors say a homosexual lifestyle is “morally acceptable.”

Among their Protestant cohorts, 45 percent (non-Baptist) say homosexuality is morally acceptable and only 10 percent of Baptists say the same.

However, when it comes to embryonic stem-cell research, only 27 percent of Catholic doctors support it, compared with the overall 49 percent.

Doctors of all religions expressed overwhelming approval to adult stem-cell research.

HCD Research along with the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion conducted the poll.

To learn more about these and other medical issues don't miss this weeks THE WORLD OVER when Raymond Arryo will talk with Fr. Tad Pacholczyk of the National Catholic Bioethics Center.