President Obama has released a statement announcing an Executive Order that will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research. In the statement, the President said that his Administration will "vigorously support scientists who pursue this research." This action was one of President Obama's campaign promises. Former President Bush had previously limited funding solely to the 21 stem cell lines that had been developed before his limitation.

In the statement by President Obama, he noted that the full possibilities of stem cell research remain unknown and should not be overstated, however, the research has the potential to treat and possibly cure severed spinal cord conditions, diabetes, Parkinson's, cancer, heart disease and more. The President specifically mentioned the late actor Christopher Reeve and his late wife, Dana Reeve, for bringing attention to the cause of promoting stem cell research.

The President emphasized that such potential needed research and government support, especially to remain on the forefront of scientific breakthrough. However, the President said, in recent years the government "forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values." The President said that science and morality were not inconsistent, and that the country had been given the "capacity and will to pursue this research -- and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly." The President recognized the concerns of those in opposition to stem cell research and that he appreciated their concerns.

President Obama also stated that he hoped a bi-partisan Congress will cooperate to provide further support for the research. He emphasized that the support would be for research scientifically worthy and responsibly conducted, with strict guidelines. The President also specified that the government would not "open the door" to cloning, which the President characterized as "dangerous" and "profoundly wrong."

The President did not stop at the Executive Order; his statement also included the news that he is signing a Presidential Memorandum directing the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop strategies to restore "scientific integrity to government decision-making." This means, the President said, that this Administration would base its policies on sound science, and appoint scientific advisors based on credentials and experience--not their politics or ideology. In addition, the Administration would be open to the American people concerning the science behind public policy.

The President said the reasoning for both the Order and the Memorandum is to protect free and open inquiry, free from manipulation or coercion, and not serving a political agenda. We have to listen to what science and scientists tell us, the President said, "...even when it's inconvenient -- especially when it's inconvenient."

For further information, go to:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-of-the-President-As-Prepared-for-Delivery-Signing-of-Stem-Cell-Executive-Order-and-Scientific-Integrity-Presidential-Memorandum/

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