According to the BBC News, March 9, 2009, US President Barack Obama has lifted restrictions on federal funding for research on new stem cell lines. He signed an executive order in a major reversal of US policy, pledging to "vigorously support" new research. He vowed that only research meeting strict ethical guidelines would be allowed, stressing that under no circumstances would stem cells be used for research into human cloning. "It is dangerous,

profoundly wrong, and has no place in our society," Mr. Obama said.

Ex-president George W Bush blocked the use of any government money to fund research on human embryonic stem cell lines created after 9 August 2001. Scientists say stem cell research will lead to medical breakthroughs, but many religious groups oppose the research.

Correspondents say the policy

change is part of President Obama's pledge to make clear that his administration wants scientific research to be free from political interference. Analysts say Mr. Obama's decision could also lead Congress to overturn a ban on spending tax dollars to create embryos. This ban has been in place since 1996 and renewed every year by Congress.

More information could be found at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/
Americas/7929690.stm