Fifty-eight percent of Americans support the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research.

Research America, the largest shareholder alliance in the U.S. health industry, on Sunday said a poll revealed only two percent are opposed to the idea.

The alliance polled 1,000 adults on such research and the importance of maintaining a U.S. lead in the field.

Thirty-four percent "strongly" support the research for therapeutic purposes, and 24 percent back it "moderately."

Some 18 percent said they are strongly against the proposal and 11 percent “just” opposed it. About 57 percent of those opposed cited religious reasons for their position.

The House of Representatives passed on June 25th the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act that calls for more federal funding for stem cell research.

President George W. Bush has already said he will veto the bill even if the Senate approves it.