U.S. President Barack Obama signs an order to lift budget restrictions on stem cell research, receiving applause from the scientific community.
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Obama signed the order to lift budget restrictions on stem cell research on March 9 at the White House. Photo: AP. |
Speaking after signing the order yesterday, Obama asserted that this is just part of efforts to reduce political interference in science.
Each type of cell in the adult human body has its own specific functions. Stem cells in embryos can develop into any type of cell. The scientific community claims that stem cells obtained from embryos can help cure many diseases, from diabetes and blindness to paralysis.
However, religious organizations argue that obtaining stem cells from embryos is an unethical act, as it can destroy a life.
In 2001, then-President George W. Bush enacted a ban on federal funding for stem cell research. Now, Obama is overturning that decision.
“The previous administration believed that stem cell research contradicted moral values. In this case, I believe that genuine science and moral values do not conflict with each other. As a person of faith, we all have a responsibility to care for others and must strive to alleviate the suffering that illness brings to humanity,” the U.S. President stated.
In the presence of scientists, patients with serious illnesses, and lawmakers, Obama also signed a memorandum aimed at limiting government interference in scientific research.
“We must ensure that scientific data is not distorted or concealed for political purposes,” he emphasized.
For a long time, science, politics, and religion have had a close relationship in the lives of Americans. With the decision to lift financial restrictions on stem cell research, Obama demonstrates his greater concern for science over religion compared to former President Bush. However, science policy makers acknowledge that politics still plays a certain role in science.
