Credit: AFP
WASHINGTON DC: U.S. President Barack Obama will sign an executive order Monday reversing Bush administration restrictions on federal funding for stem-cell research, a senior administration official said.
The official would not divulge the exact wording of the order, but confirmed, on condition of anonymity, that it would be in line with Obama's campaign vow to restore funding to embryonic stem-cell research.
The president will sign the document in a White House ceremony Monday morning, the official said, in the latest of a long line of actions reversing the policies of his predecessor, former president George W. Bush.
Reversing Bush policies
The move will spark delight among scientists who have long campaigned for the Bush policy to be overturned, but will likely be condemned by conservative right-to-life groups.
Obama spelled out his campaign policy on stem-cell research last August in a list of answers to the Science Debate 2008 scientific lobby group. "I strongly support expanding research on stem cells," Obama wrote.
"I believe that the restrictions that President Bush has placed on funding of human embryonic stem-cell research have handcuffed our scientists and hindered our ability to compete with other nations," he said.
"As president, I will lift the current administration's ban on federal funding of research on embryonic stem cell lines created after Aug. 9, 2001 through executive order, and I will ensure that all research on stem cells is conducted ethically and with rigorous oversight."
Reports about Obama's plans for Monday were immediately condemned by Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council.
Reversing Bush policies
"Today's news that President Obama will open the door to direct taxpayer funds for embryonic stem-cell research that encourages the destruction of human embryos is a slap in the face to Americans who believe in the dignity of all human life," Perkins said.
Bush barred federal funding from supporting work on new lines of stem cells derived from human embryos in 2001, allowing research only on a small number of embryonic stem-cell lines which existed at that time.
He also several times vetoed legislation passed by Congress backing the research, which advocates say could help find a cure to diseases like Alzheimer's, diabetes and Parkinson's.
Obama reportedly told Democratic lawmakers shortly after his inauguration in January that he would guarantee lifting Bush-era restrictions on federal funding of stem-cell research.
He also co-sponsored legislation while a senator that would have permitted using federal funding for stem-cell research.
Debt to American people
"Barack Obama and Joe Biden believe that we owe it to the American public to explore the potential of stem cells to treat the millions of people suffering from debilitating and life-threatening diseases," his campaign said in a statement last year.
Bush argued that using human embryos for scientific research – which often involves their destruction – crossed a moral barrier and urged scientists to consider other alternatives.
Embryonic stem cells are primitive cells from early-stage embryos capable of developing into almost every tissue of the body.
Learn more about the incredible potential of stem cells here.
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