Stem Cell Research, and Policies for it

Stem cells discovered in human cord blood

1978

Scientists learn how to extract stem cells from human embryos

1998

Leading scientist James Thomson at University of Wisconsin discovered how to extract human stem cells, so we no longer are working with mice embryos. This means stem cell research can lead to potential disease cures,

George W. Bush implemented a policy on stem cell research

2001

This policy limited the number of embryonic cell lines that could be used for embryonic cell research

206 members of Congress signed a letter

2004

This letter encouraged George W. Bush to increase federal funding of embryonic stem cell research

House of Reps voted to loosen limitations on on funded embryonic stem cell research

2005

They would loosen limitations by allowing federal funded research on surplus frozen embryos. With donor's permission of course.

Contrary to what people thought, George W. Bush did not veto

Jul 29, 2005

Most people believed that he would veto this bill, however he too believed they should loosen the limitations

President Obama removed restrictions by Executive Order

Aug 9, 2009

The Executive Order removed specific restrictions on federal funding for research adding new lines to embryonic stem cell research