There is much controversy in the news-both scientific and popular-about the use of embryonic stem cells for research. These cells are grown as cell lines in culture, created by taking the inner cell mass from 5-day-old embryos. What is the center of the controversy?
A)the fact that the embryos are mostly those unused by in vitro clinics
B)the knowledge that these cell lines have reverted spinal cord injuries in mice
C)the unproven usefulness of stem cells to treat human disorders
D)the realization that these cells are pluripotent rather than totipotent
E)the difference of opinion about whether these embryos are persons

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The controversy surrounding embryonic stem cell research is largely centered around the ethical question of whether or not these embryos should be considered human beings with rights. Some people believe that using embryos for scientific research is equivalent to taking a human life, while others argue that the potential medical benefits of stem cell research outweigh these concerns. The other options listed are all factors that contribute to the overall debate, but they are not the primary source of controversy.

There Is Much Controversy in the News-Both Scientific and Popular-About