​During the 2000 presidential elections, candidate George W. Bush states his opposition to embryonic stem cell research during one of his campaign speeches. He commits and believes in preserving the value of human life.

After winning the elections, President Bush places an executive order on stem cell research, restricting researchers from using federal funds. This executive order goes into effect on August 9, 2001, but does not affect private research and its more than 60 existing stem cell lines.

On March 9, 2009, President Barack Obama lifts the ban on federal opposition to embryonic stem cell research that was made 8 years ago. He believes that the nation is falling behind in its medical sciences and should be able to have the opportunity to find cures for diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s and heart disease.​

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