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Although invisible to the naked eye, stem cells have become the center of a debate among scientists, politicians, religious leaders, patients, and the general public. Stem cells are unique in their potential for developing into other types of cells as they mature, and adult stem cells are routinely used in numerous medical treatments. However, embryonic stem cell research begs the fundamental questions of what constitutes a human life and whether or not there should be a limit to scientific exploration. Proponents of stem cell research acclaim the possible benefits of such research—from using stem cells to enable the body to regenerate from injuries to finding a cure for debilitating diseases such as juvenile and adult diabetes. Many scientists propose stem cell research as a technique to learn more about biology, especially the development of cells and embryos. On the other side of the stem cell debate, opponents focus on the ethical problems inherent in such research, asserting that stem cell research is a "slippery slope" that could lead to cloning of human beings. As science and technology continue to advance, it is clear that the debate over stem cells will become even more complicated. Stem Cell Research provides the information necessary to approach this controversial issue from multiple perspectives. This book includes a history of the subject, biographical information on important figures in the field, a complete annotated bibliography, and a carefully designed index—everything the researcher needs to get down to work. About The Author David E. Newton holds an associate’s degree in science from Grand Rapids Junior College, a B.S. in chemistry and an M.A. in education from the University of Michigan, and a Ph.D. in science education from Harvard University. He taught mathematics and physical sciences for 13 years, was a professor of chemistry and physics at Salem State College for 15 years, and was an adjunct professor in the College of Professional Studies at the University of San Francisco for 10 years. He is the author of more than 400 textbooks, encyclopedias, resource books, research manuals, laboratory manuals, trade books, and other educational materials. Table Of Contents Part I Overview of the Topic An Introduction to Steam Cell Research and Issues over Its Use in the United States The Law and Stem Cell Research Chronology Biographical Listing Glossary Part II Guide to Further Research How to Research Stem Cell Issues Annotated Bibliography Organizations and Agencies Part III Appendices Diagrams Roe v. Wade on the Legal Status of the Embryo, 410 U.S. 113, 1973 Davis v. Davis on the Legal Status of the Embryo, Supreme Court of Tennessee, 842 S.W.2d 588, 597, 1992 The Dickey Amendment, 1995 Statement of Policy on Stem Cell Research by President George W. Bush, August 9, 2001 Recommendations: Ethical and Policy Issues in Research Involving Human Participants, National Bioethics Advisory Commission, August 2001 Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine, 2002 Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, 2005 Legalization of Stem Cell Research in New Jersey, January 4, 2005 Stem Cell Enhancement Act, February 15, 2005 Human Cloning Prohibition Act of 2005, March 17, 2005 Federal Laws Concerning Experimentation on Embryos and Fetuses, as of 2005 California Law on Stem Cell Research, as of 2005