CWA Commends President Obama for Lifting Ban on Stem Cell Research Funding

Contact Candice Johnson, CWA Communications, 202-434-1168, cjohnson@cwa-union.org

Washington, D.C. -- The Communications Workers of America praised President Obama for reversing the federal funding restrictions put on embryonic stem cell research by the Bush administration.

CWA President Larry Cohen and former CWA Vice President Pete Catucci attended the signing of the executive order at the White House today.

"Today's action marks the triumph of sound science over attempts to politicize this and other life-saving research," Cohen said. "Now we have a real opportunity to learn from embryonic stem cell research and develop effective therapies that will improve the lives of millions of people."

Catucci was diagnosed with ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in early 2007. Since stepping down as a CWA leader in 2008, he has been a tireless fighter to restore federal funds for this critical research effort.

"Stem cell therapy is real. It's time the United States caught up with the rest of the world and moved forward on this critical research. I am grateful to President Obama for reversing the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research that's blocked so much important research over the past eight years."    

CWA has been a strong supporter of overturning the ban, pointing out that many life-saving treatments – for conditions including ALS, juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and more -- may result from increased research and understanding of the cell transformation process.