B'nai B'rith International is disappointed in Virginia's ban of using state funds for embryonic stem cell research.  Several other states are in the process of considering similar bans.

Although President Obama reversed former President Bush's ban on federal funding for newer stem cell lines, these state-level restrictions can cause researchers to shy away from this critical work, said B'nai B'rith Director of Aging Policy Rachel Goldberg.  Beyond funding, potential restrictions proposed in other states include the criminalization of this research.  We continue to oppose restrictive legislation and ballot measures and to promote stem cell research funding at the state and federal level.

BBI has alerted Texas members to be in touch with their state senators urging them to block similar legislation.  In the past, B'nai B'rith has also worked to block restrictive ballot measures in Michigan and elsewhere.

Read more about the benefits of stem cell research here: http://www.bnaibrith.org/prog_serv/stem_cell.cfm  To learn more, contact B'nai B'rith's Center for Senior Services at 202-857-2785 or email seniors@bnaibrith.org.