Obama to Lift Restrictions on Stem Cell Research Funding

Supporters say it will open up a broad front of research to find better treatments for ailments from diabetes to Parkinson's disease; opponents saying destroying embryos for research is morally wrong.

(Fox News) - President Obama plans to sign an executive order Monday lifting restrictions on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, in the latest reversal of his predecessor's policies.

The move fulfills a campaign promise, and supporters say it will open up a broad front of research to find better treatments for ailments from diabetes to Parkinson's disease.

The goal, administration officials told FOX News, will be to allow federal researchers access to more available lines of embryonic stem cells than currently exist.