All throughout his presidential campaign, President Obama called for federal restrictions on stem cell research to be lifted. The restrictions, which were instigated by the Bush administration back in 2001, were roundly criticized by researchers and health professionals the world over. President Obama announced Monday that he had signed an executive order reversing the Bush administration’s policy.
Obama also signed a White House memorandum designed to protect scientific research from political influence. When taken together, the executive order and the signed memorandum represent a sharp contrast to the policy of the Bush administration, where scientific research often appeared to be tainted by political motives and influence.
During the signing ceremony, President Obama referred to the previous Bush administration policy on stem cell research as a type of “ban.” He emphasized that his administration’s policy will be to vigorously support scientific research, and the nation’s aim should be to lead the world in scientific research, not to maintain a backwards-looking policy that would allow other countries to take the lead.
Of course, not everyone is happy about Obama’s reversal of the Bush policy. Some abortion opponents claim that stem cell research should be banned because it involves the destruction of a human embryo. But stem cell research proponents point out that the embryos in question are already being created during fertility treatments, and in many cases would simply be discarded.
The whole issue it is particularly troublesome for more conservative elements within the Republican Party, because some Republicans actually support stem cell research based on its potential health benefits. Even Arizona Senator, and former presidential candidate, John McCain supports federal funding of stem cell research, putting him at odds with more conservative elements within his own party.
But within the scientific community, Monday’s policy reversal was almost universally praised. Researchers point out that stem cell research could potentially hold the key to curing conditions such as Alzheimer’s, muscular sclerosis, and many other chronic and potentially fatal diseases.
But federal funding for the research still has several hurdles to cross. The National Institutes of Health are currently devising guidelines for stem cell research funding requests; guidelines which will also take ethical issues into consideration. Those applying for federal money for stem cell research will be expected to meet these scientific and ethical guidelines in order to receive funding.
The funding itself is set to begin within four to six months, and it is expected that hundreds of universities and other research facilities will be applying for federal grants.
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