Relaxing Restrictions on Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Embryonic stem cells are derived from excess embryos created in the course of infertility treatment. Current law allows for the use of federal funds in this type of research from stem cells that existed at that time. Opponents argue such research could lead to human cloning and as many are Pro-Life, oppose any research on human embryos. Proponents argue such research could lead to new medical breakthroughs and treat a wide variety of diseases.

Candidate Responses

Fred Thompson

"On stem cell research, I'm for adult stem cell research, not stem cell research where embryos of unborn children are destroyed. It looks to me like there is a lot of promising developments as far as adult stem cell research is concerned anyway and we don't want to go down that other road."

Joe Biden