the controversy
in order to obtain enough stem cells form embryos, scientists often get them form fertility clinics. These are medical clinics that help women become pregnant. Sometimes, embryos are thrown in the garbage by the clinic. The embryos can be used in research laboratories. But these embryos ( usually 4-5 days old ) need to be killed to access the stem cells inside.This bothers many people. Some people with strong Christian beliefs have been very outspoken against stem cell research. They argue that a single embryonic stem cell is the most basic form of human life. It is like ending the life of a human being. Due to this controversial ethical issue, in 2001,the U.S. government bannend giving federal research funding to scientists conducting embryonic stem cell research. If scientists can find another way to get stem cells ( other than by killing the embryos ), they might be able to cure many of the diseases today.