2). Stem cells "can theoretically differentiate into virtually any type of human cell, from blood cells to skin cells" (AAAS, 2009). Besides, "in the natural reproductive process, human eggs are often fertilized but fail to implant in the uterus" (AAAS, 2009). From an ethical standpoint, proponents of stem cell research also argue that embryos are going to 'waste.' "Fertilization clinics routinely create more human embryos than are needed over the course of a fertility treatment, and are therefore left with excess embryos that are often simply discarded" (AAAS, 2009). Some individuals who are philosophically opposed to both abortion and artificial reproductive technology believe so long as such practices are legal the remaining embryos should be used to have at least some impact upon the improvement of human life. Other "opponents object to this argument, however, saying that such research would still condone the destruction of embryos" and encourage more 'waste,' although the embryos are created for personal rather than research-related reasons in most instances (AAAS, 2009).

Finally, opponents argue that adult stem cells can also be used in medical research. But despite the advances in medical...

In the interests of human health, the benefits of embryonic stem cell research outweigh the ethical problems. While the beginning of life is uncertain, deriving some benefits from stem cell research seem fairly certain. And so long as the practices that generate embryonic stem cell remain legal and ethically accepted by our society, it seems only sensible to use these embryos to further human knowledge. To deny federal funding to promising research that could lead to the cure for serious illnesses seems not to further or support the "good" that is inherent in the human creation (Genesis 1: 31).
References

AAAS Policy Brief: Stem Cell Research. (2009). AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science). Retrieved June 16, 2010 at http://www.aaas.org/spp/cstc/briefs/stemcells/#ethical

Eustice, Carol & Richard Eustice. (2006, November 17). Stem cell research: Understanding the issue. About.com Guide. Retrieved June 16, 2010 at http://arthritis.about.com/od/stemcell/i/stemcells.htm

Genesis. (2010). Bible.com. Retrieved June 16, 2010 at http://www.bibleontheweb.com/Bible.asp

Stem cell basics. (2010). National Institute of Health. (NIH). Retrieved June 16, 2010 at http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics5.asp