Stem Cell Research
“Remarkable Success of Embryonic Stem Cell Research”
Wall Street Journal, July 18, 2009
It was roughly five years ago when very little could be said about the successes of “embryonic” stem-cell research. At the time the United States was headed by then republican President George W. Bush, who along with his supporters strongly opposed the development and funding of embryonic stem- cell research. With Bush at the helm, it proved to be quite difficult to pass any regulation permitting the funding of the expansion of embryonic stem-cell research. With this dire lack of funding, it was almost impossible to discover any viable uses for stem cell development in regard to curing various diseases or serious ailments. Additionally, at that period of time, all that was socially acceptable was the fostering of “adult” stem-cell research, which has been proven to be an uphill battle that is nowadays considered to be all but a lost cause. Many individuals maintained a negative perception of embryonic stem-cell research for various reasons, be it personal or religious beliefs or blind adherence to President George Bush’s views and ideas.
Then something extraordinary happened, public perception began to shift with the election of presidential candidate Barack Obama. One of Obama’s many claims for “change” included a pushing for a campaign that would strive to garner support for what he believed to be the future of medical success; development of “embryonic” stem-cell research. Throughout his campaign and thereafter, a high volume of funding was provided to scientists and lab technicians throughout the country so as to enhance the probability of essentially fixing/replacing parts of the human body that become diseased, injured, or simply no longer work properly due to age. In the past four years under Obama, roughly $1 billion has been allocated to embryonic stem-cell research. The increase in funding has allowed for much development and...
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