Statement From The American Diabetes Association On President Obama's Executive Order Regarding Stem Cell Research

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Diabetes
Article Date: 11 Mar 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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The American Diabetes Association applauds President Obama for issuing an Executive Order that will advance stem cell research by lifting existing restrictions on the use of embryonic stem cells, while maintaining strict ethical guidelines.

"The ethical use of stem cell research holds the promise of accelerating medical advancements in many fields. This brings hope to the nearly 24 million American adults and children with diabetes who face its many complications including heart disease, amputation, and blindness. Diabetes is also deadly -- it is a leading cause of death in the United States," said R. Paul Robertson, MD, President Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association.

The American Diabetes Association has long been a strong advocate for ending the current restrictions on stem cell research.

"As a person with type 1 diabetes, I'm encouraged by President Obama's decisive action on advancing this very important area of research that has the potential for finding a cure for diabetes and so many other devastating diseases," said George Huntley, CPA, Chair, American Diabetes Association.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information, please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit http://www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

American Diabetes Association