What exactly is the controversy behind stem cell research?
The stem cell controversy essentially surrounds the issues of creating and obtaining embryonic stem cells and their use in therapeutic cloning. The central themes of the stem cell controversy revolve around the beginning and value of life, and the effectiveness and efficiency of embryonic stem cell research and therapies. Similar to the debate over abortion, much of this debate is fought between scientists and pro-life and religious groups. It’s also these debates that shape subsequent political and ethical policies for scientific research all over the world. Some questions that are asked include whether it is right to create embryos for the purpose of extracting stem cells, or whether it is right or even better to use existing embryos from fertilization treatments to obtain them. Others ask whether cloning is even necessary, and whether the benefits outweigh moral and religious values. Others also ask questions over the cost of stem cell therapies, and who can afford them. All these d
