Stem cells are the fundamental building blocks for all tissues in the body.
They can develop into bone, brain, muscle, skin and any other organ. Accordingly, every human being, from inception to death, has stem cells. Researchers believe that stem cells have great promise in the treatment of many illnesses, including Parkinson's and diabetes. The controversy occurs in the way stem cells are ''harvested'' for research. Stem cells are harvested through abortions, umbilical cords of live births, and from people themselves.