"The advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research go beyond the ethics of this field. Although the proven benefits of stem cell research are somewhat limited according to current science, the future potential of these treatments continues to inspire hope for many. As the processes to develop adult stem cells into programmable cells, the ethical questions may begin to fade. Until then, each key point must be considered before a final conclusion can be reached."

Stem cell research takes two primary forms: adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Each cell line that is harvested offers the opportunity to develop new treatments that may help to stop a plethora of diseases that affect humanity. Cord blood treatments that involve stem cells have helped to treat more than 6,000 people and 60+ diseases and that is just the beginning of what this medical research may offer.

One of the primary advantages of stem cell research is the availability of cell lines and that they can be obtained ethically. Adult stem cells can be harvested from healthy individuals by accessing their bone marrow and other tissue sources. Embryonic stem cells can be obtained from cord blood taken after the umbilical cord has been removed.

As for disadvantages, one of the primary points of content against this type of research is how some embryonic stem cells are obtained. These cells require the destruction of an embryo when harvested, which to some is a direct decision to end a human life. No amount of medical research, it would be argued, should come at the expense of life itself, no matter the number of people who could be potentially treated from processes developed from the research.

There are additional advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research that must be considered."