FLASH: Policy: Obama to Sign Embryonic Stem Cell Executive Order Monday |
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Editors published 3/6/2009 4:06:00 PM
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President Obama will sign an executive order Monday authorizing Federal funds to be used in embryonic stem cell research.
This was widely expected. However, it is ironic this funding will be available just as embryonic stem cells may not be needed with the recent advances in 'artificial' embryonic stem cells (aka iPS or induced pluripotent cells).
On Monday morning President Obama will hold an event at the White House in which he signs an executive order overturning the ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.
The announcement will be about "restoring scientific integrity to health care policy," an administration official tells ABC News.
In August 2001, President George W. Bush signed an executive order banning federal funding on embryonic stem cell research except for a few dozen lines that were grandfathered in. The White House at the time estimated scientists would have more than 60 cell lines to use, but ultimately fewer than two dozen lines were usable.
On the campaign trail, then-Sen. Obama pledged to overturn the ban, as did Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., making a reversal in policy all but assured. Mr. Obama said the ban "handcuffed our scientists and hindered our ability to compete with other nations."
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