One of the most heated political battles in the United States in recent years has been over the morality of embryonic stem cell research. The debate over embryonic stem cells has polarized the country between those who argue that such research promises to end much human suffering and others who condemn such research as involving the abortion of potential human life. If there is an answer to the ethical debate surrounding this particular aspect of stem cell research, it is unclear at best. The question facing many scientists and policy makers involved in embryonic stem cell research is: what is more valuable: the life of a human suffering from a disease or a life-threatening injury, or a human's life a week away from development? Although many claim that embryonic stem cell research could lead to the development of cures for a number of diseases that affect many people, such research comes at the cost of destroying a life and should not therefore not be prosecuted. Stem cells are pluripotent cells in the body. which are “undifferentiated”. This means that stem cells can ultimately give rise to any type of body tissue. Stem cells therefore have the potential to cure a large number of diseases and physical disorders, including Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and heart disease. Therefore, stem cell research and the development of related medical applications are of great interest to the scientific and medical community. The area of ​​stem cell research involving human embryonic stem cells is particularly interesting as embryonic stem cells are derived from week-old blastocysts developed from in vitro fertilized eggs. Unlike adult stem cells, which must undergo a complicated process of de-difference...... middle of paper ......ns of a morally questionable nature. It is necessary that our practices remain ethical and that we defend the value of human life, because it is the cornerstone of human society. Embryonic stem cell research is one such operation that requires scientists, policy makers and society at large to define what constitutes a human life and find an answer to the crucial question: is it morally acceptable to violate the rights of a human life for human life? in the name of medical progress? Works Cited Eckman, Dr. Jim. “Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.” Problems in Perspective.2011. Internet. April 14, 2013. “Presidential Executive Order Fact Sheet.” » The White House. Internet. April 14, 2013. Hubbard, James. “Embryonic stem cell research: Experts debate pros and cons.” » Embryonic stem cell research: experts debate the pros and cons. The Survival Doctor. 2008. Internet. April 14. 2013.