Support Stem Cell Research

Throughout his term in office, President George Bush severely restricted federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research. However, three months after Barack Obama entered office in 2009, he issued an executive order lifting many restrictions that Bush put in place and enabling federal funding. Many supporters of stem cell research were gratified by the new policy, and began to feel that the battle has been finally won.

Supporters should keep in mind, however, that with the 2013 election approaching, there is a chance Obama will no longer be in office. His opponent, Mitt Romney has openly stated his disagreement with federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research. In the event of a Romney presidency, it is likely that there will be another executive order restricting stem cell research. Even if Obama does win this election, it is very possible that there will be a future president who does not support stem cell research.

However, there is a way to make it harder for future presidents to undo the progress we have made on this issue. Support legislation that codifies federal funding of this research. An example of such legislation is the Stem Cell Research Advance Act of 2011.

In this way, we can protect this research for future generations.