Stem Cell Bans Lifted
Among the many things that Bush did during his eight years in office was reject the Stem Cell Research Act, which would have given funding to progress and support the use of stem cell research. Surrounded by babies born through in vitro fertilization, President Bush said that the bill violated his principles on the "sanctity of human life by encouraging the destruction of embryos left over from fertilization procedures." This was a very controversial decision, as this was the presidents first veto, on a very sensitive subject. Many people and senators were upset by this veto, saying it is a huge mistake.
“This is not some wedge issue; this is the soul of America,’’ said Representative Diana DeGette, Democrat of Colorado, who sponsored the bill Mr. Bush vetoed. “And this is a colossal mistake on the part of the president.’’
Now, three years later, our newly elected President Barack Obama has lifted the strict limitations on Stem Cell Research. Obama came to this decision after hearing from many people that this research was wanted, and extremely necessary in possibly curing deadly illnesses. He did leave some restrictions, however. Now reserachers will only be able to use adult stem cells derived from nonembryonic sources. This will hopefully take some of the heat out of many peoples argument that it is killing innocent life. If congress were to lift the ban completely, it would open many more doors, which would upset even a greater number of people. Obama is being very careful to try to upset as few people as possible.
“Many thoughtful and decent people are conflicted about, or strongly oppose, this research,” the president said. “I understand their concerns, and we must respect their point of view.”
Still, even after this move, some people are still upset, saying that they should be lifted even further. Senator John Kerry has stated that "The current policy is eroding our national advantage on stem cell research" and by doing this we are "tying our scientists hands. We are limiting our doctors."
