Scientific Research

Press Release

President Obama on Monday lifted restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research. "We will…vigorously support scientists who pursue this research. And we will aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield," the president said. Senator Bernie Sanders is a long-time supporter of expanded stem cell research and has encouraged federal funding. "The potential is now available for major breakthroughs in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, spinal cord injury, stroke, heart disease and many other illnesses," Sanders said. "We must seize the opportunity."

President Bush in 2001 cut off federal funding involving new embryonic stem cells, which stalled critical medical research.

Critics said his decision was based on politics and religion rather than science. Obama rejected that view. "When it comes to stem cell research, rather than furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false choice between sound science and moral values," he said.

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