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For those living under a rock, stem cell research is the scientific breakthrough of Dr. James A. Thomas. His study revolves around extracting cells from babies still in the womb, called embryos, to help cure diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease. As of 2001, stem cell research was virtually shut down by the Bush administration due to the controversy of tampering with embryos; however, Bush allowed scientists to continue with their research using cells that they already had from before the ban.
A glimmer of hope is now shining for stem cell scientists since President Barack Obama won the 2008 election; his plan regarding stem cell research is to lift the restrictions and allow federal funding. Women contribute their eggs, spend days in medical offices being interviewed, counseled, and injected with hormones. After the procedure, they may be paid somewhere around $5,000; women in Massachusetts are only paid to cover expenses. John Podesta, head of Obama's transition team, says the new policy will go into effect in less than 100 days since its affirmation in early November. Podesta's Center for American Progress is considered a possible key facility to further research in stem cells. During the Bush administration, scientists felt that the restrictions delayed America's advancing in research; other countries such as China have already treated patients who were once in critical condition with their stem cell derived medicines. American scientists now wish to make up for lost time under the new order of President Barack Obama.