Day 48: Obama lifts ban on federally funded stem cell research

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Obama signs bill

On March 9, President Obama signed an executive order lifting a controversial ban on government-funded stem cell research that had been issued by President Bush.

During his administration, Bush allowed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fund human embryonic stem cell research on cell lines created before August 9, 2001, but prohibited research on cell lines created after that date. Obama’s order removes that restriction.

“By doing this, we will ensure America’s continued global leadership in scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs,” Obama said. “That is essential not only for our economic prosperity, but for the progress of all humanity.”

This order does not eliminate all restrictions on government-funded stem cell research. For example, scientists will not be allowed to use stem cells for human cloning, the president said. The NIH has been given 120 days to review and update guidelines for funding “responsible, scientifically worthy” research.

Is it the government’s duty to define “responsible, scientifically worthy” research, or should they grant scientists the authority to make those distinctions? Post your comments here or on our Science Planet blog.

10 thoughts on “Day 48: Obama lifts ban on federally funded stem cell research”

  1. President Obama has done many significant things in his first 100days including NIH sten cell funding for stem cell research. There are a lot of foreign scientists in US contributing to such research projects but at the moment these scientists are facing very difficult situation when comes to their VISA issues. These days at US embassy in INDIA is taking 3-4 months to get an J1 or H1B VISA. I would like to request the President to help the scientific community by asking the embassys to reduce the visa processing time. Thanks Mr. President

  3. This is probably one of the most important things the new president can do for not only his own country but also for humanity and generations to come. It is most urgent this research is allowed to be done.

    I don’t think he has done much else of great value so far. There are some in the U.S. who are calling his first days, ‘The Amateur Hour.’

    He needs time and luck.

  4. This is a significant step forward for people who live with catastrophic medical conditions. I respect those whose religious beliefs conflict with this decision, however, what of my rights to science that can to stop the suffering.

    I’ve had ovarian cancer for 22 years, recently breast cancer. I lost a grandson to brain cancer and my husband has melanoma. We need hope and new medicine.

    Thank you, Mr. President

    For more info on cancer survivors’ reaction, go to:
    http://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/03/10/can-obama-cure-cancer-stem-cell-research

  5. Great site this blogs.america.gov and I am really pleased to see you have what I am actually looking for here and this this post is exactly what I am interested in. I shall be pleased to become a regular visitor :)

  6. Annette Mattern, if you respected those whose religious beliefs conflict with this type of stem cell research, why would you support having the government spending their money (tax dollars) that they took from their fruit of labor to fund something their religious beliefs view as the destruction of human life? Is this liberty? I am not religious and I think stem cell research will do good for mankind, by why have the government fund it if it offends people?

  7. This is very promising. While I don’t agree with Obama’s stance on abortion, stem cell research can be done in a humane way that protects human life. This isn’t necessarily going to be true with this policy, but it will at least be an advancement toward finding cures, I hope.

    -Luth
    Living With Crohns Disease.com

  8. Спасибо за представленную информацию.

  9. Obama has done many significant things in his first 100days.He has reversed Bush’s ban on funding to foreign countries for abortions or clinics that give info on abortions, signed an executive order to close Gitmo, review military war crimes trials and ban the harshest interrogation methods, shut down secret overseas CIA prisons.
    Obama has restored the faith that the other industralized democracies (EU, Japan, Canada) have for the USA. George W. Bush’s administration gave off signals that it didn’t know, didn’t care. Their refusal to as much as send a sit-in auditor to the Kyoto Protocol is one indicator of that.

    Ameda.

  10. Man. I am so sick of this debate. There should be a middle ground somewhere.

    Also, what does Obama know about stem cell research? Nothing! He is told what to do just like every other president in the last 40 years.

    Laurie-

    Ameda Purely Yours