President Barack Obama may soon be lifting an executive ban on stem cell research.

The ban — imposed eight years ago by President George W. Bush — limited federal spending on embryonic stem cell research. Under that order, scientists could only use human embryonic stem cells that already existed, and some say this severely limits research capabilities. Scientists believe stem cells could eventually cure Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heart disease and many other illnesses. It could also potentially help amputees grow back body parts.

Top Obama aide David Axelrod said on "Fox News Sunday" that Obama will soon lift the ban and spend federal funding on such research. "We’re going to be doing something on that soon, I think. The president is considering that right now," said Axelrod.

Preliminary research has already begun — the Food and Drug Administration last month approved the first-ever human trial of stem cells. The patients on trial have crushed spinal cords, and doctors are testing whether stem cells can be used to effectively re-grow their damaged nerves.

Obama has previously spoken of his plans to lift Bush’s ban. While in the Senate, Mr. Obama voted for the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, which was vetoed by President Bush. The bill would have allowed federal funding to be used for research on stem cell lines obtained from discarded human embryos originally created for fertility treatments.

Debates regarding stem cells stem from the fact that embryos are destroyed during the removal of embryonic stem cells. Conservatives often equate the process with abortion, saying it’s a destruction of life.