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March 9, 2009

Obama Lifts Stem Cell Research Restrictions
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=22C0279:A6F02AD83191E160230F01EC6DD01A64A13B8D4F2090AB2B&
 
Measure permits use of federal funding for medical research using human
embryonic stem cells 
President Barack Obama signs an Executive Order on stem cells and a
Presidential Memorandum on scientific integrity, 09 Mar 2009U.S.
President Barack Obama has signed an executive order lifting his
predecessor's restrictions on the use of federal funding for medical
research using human embryonic stem cells. At the White House Monday,
Mr. Obama said scientists believe the cells may have the potential to
help the scientific community understand and possibly cure some of the
most devastating diseases and conditions. He said the full promise of
stem cell research remains unknown. Mr. Obama acknowledged the research
is controversial but said that after much discussion, debate and
reflection, the proper course of action has become clear. He said the
majority of Americans support stem cell research. He said there will be
strict guidelines that will be rigorously enforced. He called on
Congress to act on a bipartisan basis to provide further support for
stem cell research. In August 2001, then-President George W. Bush banned
the use of taxpayer money for research using new lines of human
embryonic stem cells. Critics of stem cell research say destroying human
embryos for research is immoral and ends what they view is already a
human life. Stem cells are the master cells from which all types of body
tissue are formed. Researchers believe stem cells could be used to make
medical advances against diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's,
or to treat spinal cord injuries that have caused paralysis. Mr. Obama
also signed a presidential memorandum directing the head of the White
House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a strategy for
restoring what he called scientific integrity to government
decision-making. He said public policies will be based on the soundest
science, and scientific advisors will be appointed on their credentials
and experience - not their politics or ideology.


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