MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH Obama to OK embryonic stem cell research Plans reversal of Bush policy as alternative adult cells prove successful Posted: February 10, 2009 10:01 pm Eastern
Obama told House Democrats Thursday at their retreat at a Virginia resort he will sign an executive order widening federal funding for embryonic stem cell research NEW YORK – In a closed-door meeting with House Democrats at their retreat at the posh Kingsmill Golf Resort in Williamsburg, Va., President Obama gave his "guarantee" he will sign an executive order overturning President Bush's executive order restricting federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
Obama's reversal of Bush's policy comes in the face of scientific evidence that more than two decades of embryonic stem cell research have failed to produce medically valuable results, while adult stem cell research has resulted in successful medical treatments for a wide range of illnesses.
By using an executive order to approve embryonic stem cell research for human therapeutic uses, the Obama administration plans to bypass congressional discussion and debate, seeking instead to reverse the Bush executive order without introducing any new legislation, the Washington Times reports.
Obama appears determined to push the embryonic stem cell political agenda, despite medical concerns that therapeutic results in human medical treatments over decades have proved that adult stem cells and stem cells derived from human placenta produce results, while embryonic stem cells produce tumors hazardous to human health.
"Most of the media report only 'stem cell' research, not distinguishing between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells," David Prentice, senior fellow for life sciences at the Family Research Council, told WND.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.