President Barack Obama

Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, officially announced that his administration is removing all restrictions on the federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research that had been put in place by his predecessor, President George W. Bush. President Obama’s decision won praise from many that believe stem cell research will lead to cures for human diseases. Opponents of stem cell research expressed their opposition to the lifting of restrictions by Obama.

In making known his decision on lifting stem cell research funding restrictions, President Barack Obama stated that, “We will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research….we will also 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.”

During the 2008 presidential election, Barack Obama promised that he would lift the restrictions on federal funding of stem cell research imposed by Bush if he were elected President.