Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation Commends President Obama’s Decision to Lift Federal Restrictions on Stem Cell Research

SHORT HILLS, N.J., March 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation joins millions of Americans today in commending President Obama for lifting previous restrictions on federal funding of human embryonic stem cell research.

Peter T. Wilderotter, president and CEO of the Reeve Foundation, stated, “With a stroke of his pen, President Obama acknowledged the will of the majority of Americans and harnessed the power of the federal government to move research forward. By removing politics from science, President Obama has freed researchers to explore these remarkable stem cells, learn from them and possibly develop effective therapies using them. We are extremely gratified for President Obama’s action on this important issue.”

Wilderotter continued, “ Christopher and Dana Reeve’s passionate advocacy for federally funded human embryonic stem cell research grew out of their objective understanding of their immense therapeutic potential. The Reeves’ public campaign to advance the responsible exploration of all types of stem cells helped create a groundswell of support that continues to grow today. The Reeves’ belief in the promise of stem cell research is a part of their lasting legacy.”

“The Reeve Foundation adds its voice to those of the many other research institutions, organizations and scientists who laud President Obama for relaxing the August 2001 guidelines,” Wilderotter concluded.

Human embryonic stem cells have potential for finding effective regenerative therapies for many diseases and medical conditions. Scientists are using them to better understand how humans develop and what happens in the course of injury and disease. They can also be used to test and screen new drugs.

About the Reeve Foundation

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. For more information, and to review the entire list of Quality of Life grant recipients, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

**Note To Editors: This release is being issued in advance of the signing of the Executive Order, which is scheduled for this morning at 11:00 AM. Note Peter Wilderotter, President and CEO of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, will be representing the Foundation at the White House event.

SOURCE The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation