BARACK OBAMA ON STEM CELL

BARACK OBAMA ON STEM CELL

BARACK OBAMA IS A CHAMPION OF STEM CELL RESEARCH

Barack Obama believes we owe it to the American public to explore the potential
of stem cells to treat the millions of people suering from debilitating and lifethreatening diseases. Stem cells hold the promise of treatments and cures for
more than 70 major diseases and conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
disease, spinal cord injuries, and diabetes. As many as 100 million Americans may
benefit from embryonic stem cell research. As president, Obama would:

Promote Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Embryonic stem cells remain unmatched in their potential for treatment of a wide variety of diseases and health conditions. Obama has been a long-term supporter of greater stem cell research. He introduced legislation in the Illinois Senate that specifically permitted embryonic stem cell research in Illinois.

Support Medical Advancement and Innovation
Restrictions on federal funding for stem cell research have led top researchers in the field to move to other countries. Obama believes every American should have access to potential new cures. He supports greater federal government funding on a wider array of stem cell lines.

Expand the Number of Stem Cell Lines Available for Research
There are over 400,000 embryos being stored in facilities throughout the United States, the majority of which are reserved for infertile couples. However, many of these embryos will go unused, destined for permanent storage in a freezer or disposal. Obama is a cosponsor of legislation that would allow research on more stem cells derived from embryos donated for in vitro fertilization.

Ensure Ethical Standards
Obama understands stem cell research needs to be conducted with the highest ethical standards. Obama introduced legislation in the Illinois Senate to ensure that only those embryos that would otherwise be discarded could be used and that donors would have to provide written consent for the use of the embryos.