Obama overturns Bush policy on stem cells

[onehandle]

Source: AP

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama said Monday he is allowing federal taxpayer dollars to fund significantly broader research on embryonic stem cells because "medical miracles do not happen simply by accident," and promised his administration would make up for the ground lost under his predecessor.

Fulfilling a campaign promise, Obama signed an executive order expected to set in motion increased research that supporters believe could uncover cures for serious ailments from diabetes to paralysis. Obama's action, before a packed East Room audience, reverses former President George W. Bush's policy on stem cell research by undoing a 2001 directive that banned federal funding for research into stem lines created after that date.

Bush limited the use of taxpayer money to only the 21 stem cell lines that had been produced before his decision. He argued he was defending human life because days-old embryos — although typically from fertility clinics and already destined for destruction — are destroyed to create the stem cell lines.

The Obama order reverses that without addressing a separate legislative ban, which precludes any federal money paying for the development of stem cell lines. The legislation, however, does not prevent funds for research on those lines created without federal funding.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090309/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_stem_cells

[Vehl]

1. YEY!

Congratulations Mr president; for taking this bold step! and thank you!
:fistbump:

[YDogg]

2. 8 lost years of stem cell research might have prevented barbara bush's health problems

:shrug:

[madmom]

3. This is fanastic, but I bet he gets slammed for that comment.

[Gedankenaustausch]

4. It's Amazing...

Our government is starting to act logically. I don't think the yahoo article mentioned it but, Nancy Reagan issued a statement of support of President Obama's reversal.

[ReliantJ]

5. Take that GOP.

[kpete]

6. Obama signs executive order on stem cells

Source: AmericaBlog

Monday, March 09, 2009
Obama signs executive order on stem cells
John Aravosis (DC) · 3/09/2009 01:22:00 PM ET

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
AT SIGNING OF STEM CELL EXECUTIVE ORDER
AND SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM

East Room

11:47 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. Please, have a seat. Thank you much. Well, I'm excited too. (Laughter.)

Today, with the executive order I am about to sign, we will bring the change that so many scientists and researchers, doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones have hoped for, and fought for, these past eight years: We will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research. (Applause.) We will also vigorously support scientists who pursue this research. (Applause.) And we will aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield.

At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, and it should not be overstated. But scientists believe these tiny cells may have the potential to help us understand, and possibly cure, some of our most devastating diseases and conditions: to regenerate a severed spinal cord and lift someone from a wheelchair; to spur insulin production and spare a child from a lifetime of needles; to treat Parkinson's, cancer, heart disease and others that affect millions of Americans and the people who love them.

But that potential will not reveal itself on its own. Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research, from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears fruit, and from a government willing to support that work. From life-saving vaccines, to pioneering cancer treatments, to the sequencing of the human genome -- that is the story of scientific progress in America. When government fails to make these investments, opportunities are missed. Promising avenues go unexplored. Some of our best scientists leave for other countries that will sponsor their work. And those countries may surge ahead of ours in the advances that transform our lives.

In recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values. In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research -- and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly.

................

Read more: http://www.americablog.com/2009/03/obama-signs-executive-order-on-stem.html

[FightingIrish]

7. This means hope for many who have been without it.

The night Bush was declared the winner of the 2004 election, my wife and I were in the surgery waiting room as our son underwent one of several surgeries to repair damage to his spine from a brutal beating and robbery. Thanks to some very capable surgeons and shear guts on our son's part, he is now walking without crutches after two years in a wheelchair. Through this ordeal, not one doctor was able to offer any hope that he would ever walk again. During his inpatient rehabilitation we got to know many other young patients and their families. Many of these were "complete" spinal cord injury patients who had no hope at all without a miracle breakthrough. That miracle will not come overnight but hope will keep those patients hopefulyy focused and involved in getting their lives back. Thank you, President Obama.

[CountAllVotes]

8. great!!!

What a fantastic job our new President is doing for We the People!!!

:kick:

[HopeHoops]

9. WHOO HOOO!!!!

:toast: :bounce: :beer: :fistbump: :woohoo: :applause:


And as for the shrub and his "political science" : :rant: :kick: :grr: :mad:

[FightingIrish]

10. Some of the best news in years and we can't get five recs

The subthread that got moved into this one had seven recs before it went here to die.

[dweller]

11. Rec #8

it ain't dead yet.

dp