Is it just me or...

March 1988

      In March of 1988, the Reagan Administration imposed a temporary moratorium on federal funding of fetal tissue transplantation research, pending the outcome of an exhaustive study by the Human Fetal Tissue Transplantation Research Panel on ethical, legal and scientific research. After reviewing this report, the Advisory Committee to the Director of the National Institute of Health recommended that the moratorium be lifted. Despite the panel's recommendation that the government resume funding, in November, 1989 the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services extended the moratorium indefinitely.

      The ban on federal funding for fetal tissue transplantation research severely restricted research that showed enormous promise for developing treatments for men and women suffering from a wide variety of medical conditions. Millions who suffer life-threatening diseases including: Parkinson's disease; Alzheimer's disease; Huntington's disease; AIDS; strokes; and spinal cord injuries may benefit directly from research involving fetal tissue transplantation.

From Fetal Tissue Research published by The National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League Foundation

January 1993

The First 100 Days Administration of President Bill Clinton

Day 3: January 22, 1993

Issues memorandum to revoke Reagan and Bush Administration restrictions on fetal tissue research in the development of treatments for individuals afflicted with serious diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes and leukemia.

November 1994

a letter from Ronald Reagan

My Fellow Americans,

      I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.

      Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.

      In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We are happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.

      They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.

      So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.

      At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.

      Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.

      In closing let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.

      I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright new dawn ahead.

      Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.

Sincerely,

Ronald Reagan

November 1995

CHICAGO -- Today, former President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan announced they have joined forces with the national Alzheimer's Association to establish the Ronald and Nancy Reagan Research Institute. An expansion of the Alzheimer's Association's existing research program, the Reagan Institute will unite the leading scientific minds from around the world with drug and biotech companies to speed information exchange and find treatments, preventions and cures.

      "The Reagan Institute was established to serve as a symbol of hope to all those who share our dream of finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease," said Nancy Reagan, whose husband announced in a letter to the American people on November 5, 1994 that he is suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. "Honestly, we can't wait any longer to step up the research."

From an Alzheimer's Association, Inc. press release.

HHmm..