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Urge President Obama to Lift Federal Stem Cell Research Funding Restrictions
President Obama has repeatedly indicated his support for expanding stem cell research and, following the November 2008 election, he indicated that one of the first acts of his new administration would likely be to issue an Executive Order to reverse President Bush's policy limiting federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. However, since taking office in January, President Obama has not yet issued an Executive Order to remove the limits on federally funded embryonic stem cell research and recent press reports suggest that he may be considering linking an Executive Order with legislative action. Now is the time for all research advocates to contact the White House to let President Obama know the importance of lifting the federal funding restrictions on stem cell research as soon as possible.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , I ask you to immediately issue an Executive Order to reverse the federal restriction on funding for human embryonic stem cell research. Progress has been stalled long enough. The 100 million patients who suffer from cancer, Alzheimer's, diabetes, Parkinson's, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, ALS, and others diseases look to you to allow embryonic stem cell research to move forward. Research cannot wait for legislation. An Executive Order from you today could offer hope for so many.
Sincerely, |
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| Background Information |
Following the November 2008 election, then-President–Elect Barack Obama indicated that one of the first acts of his new administration would likely be to issue an Executive Order to reverse President Bush's policy limiting federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. During the presidential campaign, ASH had encouraged both candidates to support expanding stem cell research. President Obama has repeatedly indicated his support for expanding stem cell research and co-sponsored the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act while serving in the Senate. However, since taking office in January, President Obama has not yet issued an Executive Order to remove the limits on federally funded embryonic stem cell research and recent press reports suggest that he may be considering linking an Executive Order with legislative action.
ASH has been actively involved in the stem cell legislative debate since the beginning and was one of the first and few physician organizations at the forefront of the debate over federal research funding of embryonic stem cells. The Society is a member of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, the nation's most vocal proponent of the use of regenerative medicine to cure disease and alleviate suffering.
ASH's policy in support of all avenues of stem cell research is available online.
