One of the most significant breakthroughs came in November 1998, when two separate researchers successfully isolated stem cells from human embryos and aborted fetuses. The impassioned hopes are that these stem cells can be used to great advantage. The cautious fears are that innocent and vulnerable human beings are destroyed, and needlessly so, in the process. The debates are raging.
Many people are confused about what stem cell research really is, and wonder why all the fuss.
These scientific definitions have great significance in arguments for and against the use of human embryonic stem cell research. Once again the use of the correct science is fundamental in understanding the ethical distinctions in these debates. The major point of disagreement involves the use of stem cells derived from early human embryos and aborted fetuses. Besides, these cells do not cause the same immuno-incompatibility problems after transplantation as do adult stem cells from different patients. In response, opponents of human embryonic stem cell research identify the major ethical problem as the source of those cells.