[Vision2020] President Obama Lifts Restrictions on Stem Cell Research

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of the White House website at:

http://tinyurl.com/StemCellRemarks

Remarks of President Barack Obama prior to signing of Stem Cell Executive 
Order and Scientific Integrity Presidential Memorandum
Washington, DC
March 9, 2009

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Today, with the Executive Order I am about to sign, we will bring the 
change that so many scientists and researchers; doctors and innovators; 
patients and loved ones have hoped for, and fought for, these past eight 
years: we will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic 
stem cell research. We will 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.

At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, 
and it should not be overstated. But scientists believe these tiny cells 
may have the potential to help us understand, and possibly cure, some of 
our most devastating diseases and conditions. To regenerate a severed 
spinal cord and lift someone from a wheelchair. To spur insulin production 
and spare a child from a lifetime of needles. To treat Parkinson’s, 
cancer, heart disease and others that affect millions of Americans and the 
people who love them.

But that potential will not reveal itself on its own. Medical miracles do 
not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly 
research – from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears 
fruit – and from a government willing to support that work. From life-
saving vaccines, to pioneering cancer treatments, to the sequencing of the 
human genome – that is the story of scientific progress in America. When 
government fails to make these investments, opportunities are missed. 
Promising avenues go unexplored. Some of our best scientists leave for 
other countries that will sponsor their work. And those countries may 
surge ahead of ours in the advances that transform our lives.

But in recent years, when it comes to stem cell research, rather than 
furthering discovery, our government has forced what I believe is a false 
choice between sound science and moral values. In this case, I believe the 
two are not inconsistent. As a person of faith, I believe we are called to 
care for each other and work to ease human suffering. I believe we have 
been given the capacity and will to pursue this research – and the 
humanity and conscience to do so responsibly.

It is a difficult and delicate balance. Many thoughtful and decent people 
are conflicted about, or strongly oppose, this research. I understand 
their concerns, and we must respect their point of view.

But after much discussion, debate and reflection, the proper course has 
become clear. The majority of Americans – from across the political 
spectrum, and of all backgrounds and beliefs – have come to a consensus 
that we should pursue this research. That the potential it offers is 
great, and with proper guidelines and strict oversight, the perils can be 
avoided.

That is a conclusion with which I agree. That is why I am signing this 
Executive Order, and why I hope Congress will act on a bi-partisan basis 
to provide further support for this research. We are joined today by many 
leaders who have reached across the aisle to champion this cause, and I 
commend them for that work.

Ultimately, I cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures 
we seek. No President can promise that. But I can promise that we will 
seek them – actively, responsibly, and with the urgency required to make 
up for lost ground. Not just by opening up this new frontier of research 
today, but by supporting promising research of all kinds, including 
groundbreaking work to convert ordinary human cells into ones that 
resemble embryonic stem cells.

I can also promise that we will never undertake this research lightly. We 
will support it only when it is both scientifically worthy and responsibly 
conducted. We will develop strict guidelines, which we will rigorously 
enforce, because we cannot ever tolerate misuse or abuse. And we will 
ensure that our government never opens the door to the use of cloning for 
human reproduction. It is dangerous, profoundly wrong, and has no place in 
our society, or any society.

This Order is an important step in advancing the cause of science in 
America. But let’s be clear: promoting science isn’t just about providing 
resources – it is also about protecting free and open inquiry. It is about 
letting scientists like those here today do their jobs, free from 
manipulation or coercion, and listening to what they tell us, even when 
it’s inconvenient – especially when it’s inconvenient. It is about 
ensuring that scientific data is never distorted or concealed to serve a 
political agenda – and that we make scientific decisions based on facts, 
not ideology.

By doing this, we will ensure America’s continued global leadership in 
scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs. That is essential 
not only for our economic prosperity, but for the progress of all humanity.

That is why today, I am also signing a Presidential Memorandum directing 
the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to 
develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government 
decision making. To ensure that in this new Administration, we base our 
public policies on the soundest science; that we appoint scientific 
advisors based on their credentials and experience, not their politics or 
ideology; and that we are open and honest with the American people about 
the science behind our decisions. That is how we will harness the power of 
science to achieve our goals – to preserve our environment and protect our 
national security; to create the jobs of the future, and live longer, 
healthier lives.

As we restore our commitment to science, and resume funding for promising 
stem cell research, we owe a debt of gratitude to so many tireless 
advocates, some of whom are with us today, many of whom are not. Today, we 
honor all those whose names we don’t know, who organized, and raised 
awareness, and kept on fighting – even when it was too late for them, or 
for the people they love. And we honor those we know, who used their 
influence to help others and bring attention to this cause – people like 
Christopher and Dana Reeve, who we wish could be here to see this moment.

One of Christopher’s friends recalled that he hung a sign on the wall of 
the exercise room where he did his grueling regimen of physical therapy. 
It read: "For everyone who thought I couldn’t do it. For everyone who 
thought I shouldn’t do it. For everyone who said, ‘It’s impossible.’ See 
you at the finish line."

Christopher once told a reporter who was interviewing him: "If you came 
back here in ten years, I expect that I’d walk to the door to greet you."

Christopher did not get that chance. But if we pursue this research, maybe 
one day – maybe not in our lifetime, or even in our children’s lifetime – 
but maybe one day, others like him might.

There is no finish line in the work of science. The race is always with 
us – the urgent work of giving substance to hope and answering those many 
bedside prayers, of seeking a day when words like "terminal" 
and "incurable" are finally retired from our vocabulary.

Today, using every resource at our disposal, with renewed determination to 
lead the world in the discoveries of this new century, we rededicate 
ourselves to this work.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless America.

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
 

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