Embryonic stem cells provide hope for curing diseases, but their use in scientific research has always been a controversial subject. It has been debated by scientists, philosophers and men of God alike. 

Some countries around the world have regulated embryonic stem cell research in various ways. Bring up embryonic stem cells or embryonic research in a pub or class, and watch the topic cause division that can get so intense it can harm friendships. Why is stem cell research such a forbidden cure? 

On one hand, we have the commitment to help prevent suffering; on the other hand, we have the direct obligation to respect human life.

Unfortunately, in the case of embryonic stem cell research, it is beyond the bounds of possibility to respect both moral principles, because in order to harvest the embryonic stem cells that prevent suffering, an embryo has to be destroyed. 

Across world religions, it is hardly easy to define the status of an embryo. Different religions view stem cell research and embryos in different ways. For example, the Roman Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Churches believe the embryo has the status of a human being and posit stem cell research should not be permitted. 

On the other hand, Judaism and Islam affirm and emphasize the value and importance of helping others, and also believe that the embryo has no human status before 40 days in the womb. They are tolerable of stem cell research, but only if it is done within an embryo’s first 40 days.

The personhood status of an embryo is very controversial and complex, because it involves science, religion and philosophy. A scientific argument is that an embryo has no moral status at all, because fertilized human eggs are just parts of other human bodies until they have developed to survive independently. 

I believe removing stem cells from an embryo does not harm the embryo, because an embryo is seen as having no beliefs, desires, or purposes. 

Many are aware that embryonic stem cell research is a promising advance in generating medical therapies, and that the practice is not funded at the federal level in the United States for religious reasons. 

Every cell with a nucleus in the human body is a potential human being, given the right manipulations, which are possible thanks to advanced genetic research. Literally every time we scratch our cheek, we are engaging a holocaust of potential beings. 

Thus, the argument against stem cell research is morally indefensible if based only on religious faith. Stem cell research could save millions of lives, and people should at least be open to discuss the possibility.