Roberts Says Action will Save Lives and Lessen the Impact of Devastating Diseases
PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts issued the following statement today regarding President Obama’s signing of the Executive Order lifting the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
“Today, President Obama has moved us closer to finding cures for some of the most destructive and devastating diseases of our time,” Roberts said. “By allowing federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, work can move forward more quickly to find solutions to the ravages of diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and cancer, and offer hope to people who have suffered spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries. Stem cell research promises to make remarkable advances in treating and even curing these diseases and injuries. Scientists and researchers will be able to pursue treatments and cures using new stem cell lines under strict ethical guidelines.’ “I applaud President Obama’s decision and the leadership shown by our own congressman, Jim Langevin, who is a national voice on the benefits of stem cell therapies and the need for more funding of research.” In 2007, Roberts released “Discovering Rhode Island's Stem Cell Future: Charting the Course Toward Health and Prosperity,” a report detailing the stem cell research opportunities for Rhode Island. The report is available electronically at www.ltgov.ri.gov. In 2008, the general assembly passed legislation written by Roberts to create a public cord blood bank to support research on the benefits and potential therapies of stem cells found in umbilical cord blood.