Before signing an executive order removing the ban on federal funding for stem cell research, President Obama defended “open inquiry” in science and addressed critics.
Obama carefully said that the science is not tied to ideology, a common criticism of President George W. Bush, who implemented the funding restrictions.
His full remarks are after the jump, but here are the highlights:
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
Remarks of President Barack Obama