If there were ever an issue that riled up those opposed to George W. Bush’s presidency, it would have to be his opposition to stem cell research. Or maybe Iraq. But, no, Bush’s restrictions on stem cell research brought out a wide coalition of opposition, especially those with diseases that might be helped by the research.
Today President Obama signed an executive order reversing Bush’s ban, calling for a significant increase in federal dollars going toward stem cell research. He said the issue would no longer be part of the political agenda.
Congressman John Yarmuth has worked to lift the ban, and released a statement today:
“Today, President Obama has empowered American scientists, including those conducting important stem cell research at UofL, to once again take the lead on some of the most promising avenues for medical discovery. This decision could one day unlock the mysteries of cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes and many other debilitating conditions, while eliminating suffering and saving the lives of millions of people. I was proud to have cosponsored legislation lifting this ban in the last Congress, and I commend President Obama for taking this critical step that at last begins to base federal policy on sound scientific evidence.”
8 responses so far ↓
1 Mark // Mar 9, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Depends what kind of stem cells we are talking about. So long as we’re not creating embryos and what not, I am ok with this type of research.
2 Gordon // Mar 9, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Mark, it is stem cells from embryos that are created in the process of fertilization. So instead of one of those embryos growing up to possibly find a cure for one of the diseases, it is destroyed. There are other alternatives to this barbaric practice.
3 Frisky Dingo // Mar 9, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Hey, Gordon, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet, or in this case, cure a few diseases. Deal.
4 Gordon // Mar 9, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Hey Frisky Dingo, if that’s your real name :). This was a purely political move to satisfy his supporters. The research has moved ahead of the debate, with adult stem cell and cord blood research showing some great promise. Destroying an embryo is barbaric. Deal.
5 thevoice@voicedup.com // Mar 9, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Let’s think of how many Americans are suffering from ailments and what this research can do for them. I’m sure everyone reading this knows someone important to them that is affected by one of these maladies.
6 Gordon // Mar 10, 2009 at 9:40 am
Actually, I saw my youngest daughter almost die when she was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes 3 years ago to the day. I’ll never forget the 8 or 9 tubes she was hooked up to in the ICU for 4 days. I also remember my sister going into a diabetic coma when she was 19 and having to break the bathroom door down to get to her. She is still with us, after bypass surgery 4 years ago. That still doesn’t change the fact that destroying embryos is wrong. We need to concentrate on Adult stem cell research and cord blood. The Pope has just denounced the President’s decision. God help us all.
7 John // Mar 10, 2009 at 1:35 pm
If the Pope denounced it, then he must be on the right track. When has the man in the dress and funny hat ever been right about anything?!
8 Gordon // Mar 10, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Nice Blasphemy John. I’m not Catholic, just trying to point out the leader of one of the world’s largest religions is against it.
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