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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 113-09
March 9, 2009

STATEMENT BY MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S DECISION TO BEGIN LIFTING FEDERAL RESTRICTIONS ON STEM CELL RESEARCH

"President Obama's bold decision today is a big victory for science and medical progress. The politicization of stem cell research caused great concern in the scientific community, and I'm glad we are moving beyond it.

"Expanding stem cell research will help American scientists develop potentially life-saving treatments for diseases that right now kill millions of people a year. That's why I've supported stem cell research through my philanthropy, and why I've spoken out in no uncertain terms about the importance of lifting the federal restrictions.

"This decision shows that President Obama is determined to allow science to be driven by data and research, not politics. That's the way it should be, and that's the approach we've taken in New York City. As a result, as we announced just last week, we've made measurable and encouraging progress on our 'Take Care New York' campaign, the most ambitious public health agenda in the country. And across New York City, there are teams of doctors and scientists ready to tackle new areas of work who now can thanks to the President's decision.

"A great many people have worked hard to highlight the need for stem cell research - including my friend Nancy Reagan - and they, along with President Obama, deserve real credit for renewing hope among scientists and patients."







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