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Michael J. Fox: Obama’s Election Brings ‘Hope’ To Stem Cell Research Efforts

Updated 1:48 PM EST, Tue, Nov 11, 2008

On the heels of comments from Barack Obama’s office this week that Obama will likely use his executive powers to reinstitute stem cell research once he’s in the White House, Michael J. Fox has offered praise for the new President-elect.

In an exclusive statement to Access Hollywood, Fox, a vocal advocate for stem cell research, said Obama’s victory in the election brings “hope” to those supporting stem cell research efforts.

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“With Obama’s election, this country is reveling in a newfound sense of hope,” Fox said in a statement to Access. “In addition to picking up where we left off eight years ago with the vast potential of stem cell research, we will now surely see a renewed commitment to speeding cures to the millions of people whose lives have been touched by illness or injury.”

Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, has raised nearly $130 million in Parkinson’s research since 2000 through The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

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Earlier this week, John Podesta, who is spearheading Obama’s transition to the White House on January 20, 2009, said the new President-elect was reviewing President George W. Bush’s stance on a variety of issues, including stem cell research.

“I think across the board, on stem cell research, on a number of areas, you see the Bush administration even today moving aggressively to do things that I think are probably not in the interest of the country,” Podesta said, according to the New York Times.

On July 19, the U.S. Senate had voted to remove and restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. However, President Bush vetoed the decision the next day.

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First Published: Nov 11, 2008 1:45 PM EST

Comments (5)

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Roslyn Friday, Nov 14 at 4:25 PM FLAG COMMENT A member of my family has Parkinson. Those who object to stemcell cures from embryonic stem cells should be striken with a disease that can only be cured using stem cells.
Youth Radio Thursday, Nov 13 at 8:55 PM FLAG COMMENT Hey if you like this story link to Youth Radio page we have a story that is just alike http://youthradio.org/news/hope-out-box Youth Radio
West Hartford Hammer Wednesday, Nov 12 at 6:43 AM FLAG COMMENT Too bad you all are so ignorant. It has been proven over and over that stem cells from adults work just as well. This is just another attempt at legitimizing the over 6000 abortions preformed here every year. Michael Fox is just another Liberal mouthpiece.
Beth Tuesday, Nov 11 at 6:04 PM FLAG COMMENT I hope and pray this passes this time. Aside from the moral issues it raises, by saving lives and finding cures, the positive outweighs the negative.
TBA Tuesday, Nov 11 at 4:12 PM FLAG COMMENT This hope is good. Since it's a step closer to finding a cure. Knowing if a Republican they won't allow it instead they most likely rather dam a person with a illness that could be cure if research is done.