Obama Overturns Bush Policy on Stem Cell Research Funding

President Barack Obama ended limits on funding for embryonic stem-cell research set by President George W. Bush in 2001. The announcement was coupled with the planned signing of a presidential memorandum directing that "scientific integrity" be restored to government decision-making.

"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," Mr. Obama was expected to say, according to prepared remarks. "In this case, I believe the two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have been given the capacity and will to pursue this research – and the humanity and conscience to do so responsibly." (See the full text of Obama's prepared remarks.)