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Reagan, Ronald

Reagan Family Declares War on White House Over Stem Cell Ban

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The family of former President Ronald Reagan, including his daughter Patti Davis and widow Nancy Reagan, has joined forces to challenge President Bush's ban on stem cell research. The family's opposition to the ban stems from their personal connections to the diseases that stem cell research aims to cure, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Nancy Reagan, who has been a vocal advocate for stem cell research, has been called "the voice for stem cell research now" by Patti Davis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Reagan family, including Patti Davis and Nancy Reagan, has publicly declared their opposition to President Bush's ban on stem cell research.
  • The family's stance is driven by their personal connections to the diseases that stem cell research aims to cure, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
  • Nancy Reagan has been a vocal advocate for stem cell research and has been called "the voice for stem cell research now" by Patti Davis.
  • The family's opposition to the ban has sparked debate among conservatives, with some arguing that the research is morally equivalent to abortion.
  • Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.) has expressed support for stem cell research, stating that "the real pro-life position here ... is to use these stem cells."
  • James Dobson, a pro-life conservative who leads Focus on the Family, has equated stem cell research to the atrocities committed by Nazi scientists.
  • 58 senators from both political parties have sent a letter to President Bush asking him to ease his stance on stem cell research.

Statistics:

  • 93: Age at which Ronald Reagan died after a decade of suffering with Alzheimer's
  • 2001: Year in which President Bush banned stem cell research
  • 58: Number of senators from both parties who signed a letter asking President Bush to ease his stance on stem cell research
  • 40th President: Analyzing the relevance of President Reagan's legacy to his daughter's public view

Sources:

  • Newsweek
  • Daily News
  • "Face the Nation" (CBS)
  • Focus on the Family (organization)
  • The Ronald Reagan Memorial Stem Cell Research Act (House Bill)
  • New York Daily News ( Daily News, New York)

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