Barack Obama lifted the Bush administration’s ban on stem-cell research today amid criticism from congressional Republicans but admiration from one Nancy Reagan, Politico reports. Lifting the ban “will now make it possible for scientists to move forward,” the former first lady said in a statement. “I urge researchers to do all they can to fulfill the promise that stem cell research offers."
Obama paid tribute to late actor Christopher Reeve, saying that the US should be thankful to Reeve for fighting for stem-cell research. Reeve and his late wife, Dana, established a foundation that funds research in spinal cord injuries. Obama said he wished the Reeves could’ve been at the White House today to see the ban overturned.
(More stem cells stories.)