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Monitoring Stem Cell Research 
Parkinson's to spinal cord injuries. And while scientists admit they 
are not yet certain, they believe stem cells derived from embryos 
have unique potential. 
You should also know that stem cells can be derived from 
sources other than embryos - from adult cells, from umbilical cords 
that are discarded after babies are born, from human placenta. And 
many scientists feel research on these type of stem cells is also 
promising. Many patients suffering from a range of diseases are 
already being helped with treatments developed from adult stem 
cells. 
However, most scientists, at least today, believe that 
research on embryonic stem cells offer the most promise because 
these cells have the potential to develop in all of the tissues in the 
body. 
Scientists further believe that rapid progress in this research 
will come only with federal funds. Federal dollars help attract the 
best and brightest scientists. They ensure new discoveries are 
widely shared at the largest number of research facilities and that 
the research is directed toward the greatest public good. 
The United States has a long and proud record of leading the 
world toward advances in science and medicine that improve human 
life. And the United States has a long and proud record of upholding 
the highest standards of ethics as we expand the limits of science 
and knowledge. Research on embryonic stem cells raises profound 
ethical questions, because extracting the stem cell destroys the 
embryo, and thus destroys its potential for life. Like a snowflake, 
each of these embryos is unique, with the unique genetic potential of 
an individual human being. 
As I thought through this issue, I kept returning to two 
fundamental questions: First, are these frozen embryos human life, 
and therefore, something precious to be protected? And second, if 
they're going to be destroyed anyway, shouldn't they be used for a 
greater good, for research that has the potential to save and improve 
other lives? 
I've asked those questions and others of scientists, scholars, 
bioethicists, religious leaders, doctors, researchers, members of 
Congress, my Cabinet, and my friends. I have read heartfelt letters 
from many Americans. I have given this issue a great deal of thought, 
prayer and considerable reflection. And I have found widespread 
disagreement. 
On the first issue, are these embryos human life — well, one 
researcher told me he believes this five-day-old cluster of cells is not 
an embryo, not yet an individual, but a pre-embryo. He argued that it 
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