The potential for major medical breakthroughs is enormous, as embryonic stem cells can develop into any kind of cell or tissue. “Scientists have had to devote much of their time to figuring out how to do their research while complying with the restrictions,” Rachel Goldberg, BBI’s director of aging policy, said. “Unlocking federal dollars for research will knock down critical barriers our top researchers have faced, and allow them to go back to what they do best – making discoveries.”

BBI, a leader in stem cell research advocacy, has worked for years educating the public about the importance and potential of stem cell research. One key effort is the BBI partnership with The American Technion Society.

Through the years, BBI has supported congressional measures that would have reversed the limits on federal funding and provided guidelines for dealing with embryos used for research. “B’nai B’rith will continue to work at the state level to overturn unnecessary obstacles to stem cell research and will move forward with pressing for new cures and therapies,” said Mark Olshan, BBI’s associate executive vice president. “The potential benefits of stem cell research are seemingly limitless, and we will renew our effort and commitment to ensuring federal funding is used to maximize that potential.”

Degenerative disorders make aging a fearful process for millions of people, and cost the healthcare system billions of dollars. Curing conditions like diabetes could transform the golden years, and, in the long run, end up saving critical healthcare dollars.