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 it involves 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 confusing at best. The question facing many scientists and politicians involved in embryonic stem cell research is: what is more precious: the life of a human being suffering from a life-threatening disease or injury, or the life of a human at one week of development? Although many argue that embryonic stem cell research has the potential to develop cures for a number of diseases that affect many individuals, such research is performed at the cost of destroying a life and therefore should not be pursued. Stem cells are pluripotent cells in the body that are “undifferentiated.” This means that stem cells can ultimately give rise to any type of body tissue. Therefore stem cells have the potential to treat a vast number of diseases and physical disorders including Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and heart disease. Consequently, 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 of particular interest as embryonic stem cells are derived from week-old blastocysts developed from in vitro fertilized eggs. As opposed to adult stem cells, which must undergo a complicated de-differentiation process... middle of paper... of a morally questionable nature. It is necessary that our practices remain ethical and that we uphold the value of human life, as this is the cornerstone of human society. Embryonic stem cell research is one such operation that forces scientists, politicians and society at large to define what constitutes a human life and to find an answer to the crucial question: is it morally acceptable to violate the rights of human life for the good for medical progress? Works Cited Eckman, Dr. Jim. “Human embryonic stem cell research.” Problems in perspective.2011. Network. April 14, 2013. “Presidential Executive Order Fact Sheet.” The White House. Network. April 14, 2013. Hubbard, James. “Embryonic stem cell research: Experts debate pros and cons.” Embryonic stem cell research: experts debate pros and cons. The Doctor of Survival. 2008. Network. 14 April. 2013.