(Washington, DC)  --  President Obama is expected to use an executive order soon to lift an eight-year ban on embryonic stem cell research.

   Senior adviser David Axelrod told "Fox News Sunday," quote, "the President is considering that right now," adding action should be taken "soon."  Federal funding for stem cell research was limited in 2001 by former President George W. Bush.

   The limit on existing human embryonic stem cell lines was seen as a gesture to conservative Christian supporters.

   Some scientists maintain embryonic stem cell research could hold the key to cures for illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, heart disease and spinal cord injuries.

   Obama campaigned on a pledge to reverse the ban.

   The first trial to see if human embryonic stem cells can safely treat humans has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration.


   (Copyright 2009 by Newsroom Solutions)