Stem Cells - Will solutions stem from them?

I really dont know a whole lot about the controversy over stem cells. If the experts say stem cells hold the key to curing cancer, aids, and many other chronic diseases, not to mention myriad other solutions to todays medical problems, why is there so much controversy and regulation coming from the government?

Because of where they are harvested from, specifically from human embryos. Religious conservatives believe embryonic stem cells are a living being, and harvesting the stem cells (which kills the embryo) is akin to murder.

I can get behind the reasoning on that one. But wouldnt the devils advocate argue for the "many over one" point?

Rocketman:

I can get behind the reasoning on that one. But wouldnt the devils advocate argue for the "many over one" point?

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Utilitarianism is a cruel, cruel, unfeeling philosophy. Many people would like to think themselves better than that. Compassion, even for a fetus, may drive people to take pity on them. Even if some of the objects of their compassion disagree vehemently with them.

*Not that I actually feel this way. I personally think that stem cells hold great scientific potential and that I can hardly consider a blastula as having any meaningfully human characteristics.