Nancy Reagan gives mad props to Obama

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LOS ANGELES, March 9 (Xinhua) -- Nancy Reagan, widow of late U.S. President Ronald Reagan, said on Monday that scientists would move forward in stem cell research thanks to President Barack Obama's decision to overturn the 8-year-old policy that limited federal funding for such research.

"I'm very grateful that President Obama has lifted the restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research," the former first lady said in a statement. "These new rule will now make it possible for scientists to move forward."

"Countless people, suffering from many different diseases, stand to benefit from the answers stem cell research can provide," said Reagan, who has long been at odds with other conservative Republicans over the stem cell issue.

"We owe it to ourselves and to our children to do everything in our power to find cures for these diseases -- and soon."

Reagan, 87, urged "researchers to make use of the opportunities that are available to them, and to do all they can to fulfill the promise that stem cell research offers."

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/...nt_10979294.htm