The controversy
In order to obtain enough stem cells from embryos, scientists often get them from 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 reseach laboratories. But these embryo(usually 4~5)need to be killed to access the stem cells inside. This bothers many people. Some people with strong Christain beliefs have been very outspoken against stem cell reseach. 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 banned giving federal reseach funding to scientists conducting embryonic stem cell reseach. If scientists can find another way to get stem cells (other than by killing the embryo), they might be able to cure many of the diseases today.