The possibility of curing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, AIDS, spinal injuries, and many other diseases and conditions is greeted by many in the medical world with excitement and anticipation. The discovery of embryonic stem, ES, cells in 1998 by James A. Thomson, a biologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, represented a major breakthrough for the medical world, showing great promise in the field of stem cell research . This is because they have the ability to transform into any type of cellular tissue in the body. For the medical world, the opportunities seem endless. However, there is extensive debate by some who question the moral and ethical use of ES cells, believing that life begins at fertilization. Proponents argue that we have an obligation to help others who suffer by using ES cells, because they are considered potential life. The question is: do we have the right to use ES cells for research purposes when embryos will be cultured specifically for research and destruction? And if so, should this research be funded by the government? First, what are ES cells and how can they help us? ES cells are unspecialized cells found in the human body and are capable of multiplying and creating all types of specific cells. ES cells develop in an IVF clinic and not in a woman's womb, as the name seems to indicate. Since these cells have the ability to develop into any cell type, the potential for ES cell research is very promising. If the correct genes could be activated, they could regenerate tissue cells that are unable or too damaged to replace themselves. Or they can be used to identify and correct genetic defects or degenerative diseases. ES cells offer a promising future to many people, even if that f... middle of paper... The future of medicine." The Guardian. The Guardian UK, 1 March 2009. Web. 16 January 2009. 2012. . Sansom, Dennis L., PHD "How Much Respect Do We Owe the Embryo? Limits to Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Ethics & Medicine 26.3 (2010): 161,173,131. ProQuest Research Library. Web. January 13, 2012. Schechter, Jody. "Promoting Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: A Comparison of Policies in States States and the United Kingdom and the factors that encourage advancement." Texas International Law Journal 45.3 (2010): 603-29. ProQuest Research Library. Web. January 13, 2012. Simon, Stephanie. "THE NATION; Stem cell dissent troubles states; Even where voters have moved to support embryo research, opposition is fierce." Los Angeles Times: A.12. Los Angeles Times; National Newspapers Core. August 1, 2007. Web. January 13. 2012