New Executive Order reverses Bush policy on embryonic stem cell research

On Monday President Obama overturned an order signed by President Bush in 2001 that barred the National Institutes of Health from funding research on embryonic stem cells beyond using 60 cell lines that existed at that time. This signals a clear shift from his predecessor on scientific issues.

Conservatives are criticizing this move arguing that embryonic stem cell research ends lives. President Obama’s response is that scientific decisions must be based on fact and not on ideology. The President also signed a memorandum that directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy "to develop a strategy for restoring scientific integrity to government decision-making." This is the beginning of his effort to separate science and politics. This will go a long way in environmental policy as well. Lets hope The United States can finally get momentum on a lot of these issues that affect the planet and the well-being of her inhabitants.