The politics and ethics of human embryo and stem cell research

There is great promise for stem cell research to develop cells and tissues for transplantation and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson disease, diabetes, and heart problems. There is also promise to advance understanding and treatment of cancer and congenital defects. Human embryo research is fundamentally the only way to understand human fertilization, implantation, and early development. For years, federal funding of human embryo research has been held hostage to a congressional prolife agenda. Any reasonable solution to these political disputes that so greatly affect women's reproductive interests and the promise of health benefits from embryo and stem cell research should mandate that governmental sponsorship proceed.