Reversing one of the signature policies of the Bush administration, President Barack Obama abolished constraints on stem-cell research, urging a separation of science and ideology. Obama signed documents changing U.S. science policy, declaring “Our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values.” Many researchers have felt constricted by the policies banning stem-cell research — research that could lead to breakthroughs in the field of medicine as it pertains to many terminal diseases.
“It is about ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a political agenda — and that we make scientific decisions based on facts — not ideology,” said the president.
Researchers are now allowed to use hundreds of embryonic stem cell lines for research — in hopes of creating treatments (and possibly cures) for conditions such as paralysis and Parkinson’s disease. Obama’s decision marks a sharp contrast to his predecessor —emphasizing science more than religion. Until now, researchers had to limit themselves to the 21 stem cell lines created before August 2001, when President George W. Bush limited funding because of “fundamental questions about the beginnings of life and the ends of science.” –todd williams
