What if there was a cure for cancer or a treatment for spinal injuries? Would you support research? What if there was a way to repair damaged nerves? Some believe that stem cells could provide answers to some of these questions. What are stem cells and why should we, or I, care about them? Some believe it is a miracle treatment in waiting, while others believe stem cells are highly immoral. Why so much controversy around the issue? Why is the stem cell debate feared by some and praised by others? For some stem cells, they represent medical hope for the future, something we must hold on to as we battle major diseases such as cancer, Parkston's disease and spinal injuries. For others, stem cell researchers are murderers trying to play God's game. Many people have pledged their support for stem cell research, including some well-known celebrities. Reeves, who was best known for his role in the early Superman films, and J. Fox, two well-known celebrities, became involved in stem cell research and both established a private fund for cell research strains. This celebrity, however, has not convinced everyone to support the cause of stem cell research. Just as there are supporters of stem cells, there are those who believe their use is immoral. Since the first stem cells were separated, doctors, religious groups and even political figures have voiced their opposition to stem cell research. Even knowing and knowing that stem cells hold promise, many of those who are genuinely opposed to them have not changed their minds. The question is whether their reasons are good enough to stop stem cell research or whether they are simply holding back what will soon be inevitable... middle of paper ...... controversy. New York: Facts on File Inc., 2005. Print “Stem Cells: The Future of Medicine.” Medschool.umaryland.edu. University of Maryland School of Medicine Web November 14, 2013Basics of Stem Cells. In Stem Cell Information [Worldwide Website] Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, 2009 [cited Friday, November 8, 2013] Available at stemcells.nih.gov “Stem Cell Research.” www.ncsl.org. National Conference of State Legislatures, 2008 Web November 7, 2013 “Top Ten Things to Know About Stem Cell Treatments.” » Www.closerlookatstemcells.org ISSCR. Web November 1, 2013 “What are stem cells? Www.medicalnewstoday.com MNT web November 4, 2013Monroe, Kristen et al., eds. Foundations of the debate on stem cells: the scientific, religious, ethical and political issues. Los Angeles/Berkley: University of California Press, 2008. Print