Speaking to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation during a celebrity-packed dinner in Beverly Hills, the former first lady stated, “Science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp. I just don’t see how we can turn our backs on this.” Nancy Reagan called for taking stem cell research out of the political arena so that it might help cure illnesses like Alzheimer’s.

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart added their support by reading letters from former presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton that were all in favor of Mrs. Reagan’s efforts with embryonic stem cell research. Michael J. Fox, who was also present, said, “For someone like Mrs. Reagan to step outside of political or ideological groupings and just speak on what she believes…can help people is tremendously valuable.”

There was no comment from the Bush administration, which has placed severe restrictions on stem cell research because it can involve using cells from human embryos.

Stay Informed