Strong public support for treatment and research using fetal tissue, particularly among those accepting the scientific world-view.

Data from four large representative national sample surveys in Australia between 1993 and 2000 show strong public support for treatment using fetal tissue. Support remains high even if the treatment has only a remote chance of success, or if the goal is research rather than treatment. Regression analysis reveals striking new evidence on the links between science and moral beliefs. Even adjusting for religious denomination and numerous demographic characteristics, acceptance of evolution and of aspects of astronomy suggesting that life on earth is not unique greatly increases support for using fetal tissue. So does trust in scientists.