Describes the medical advances that may be possible due to the use of stem cells and embryonic stem cells and discusses the moral and religious controversies surrounding their use in research.
Recommended for gr. 6-10. A description of what stem cell research is and what may be achieved as research continues. There are also well-balanced sections describing the arguments for and against embryonic and adult stem cell usage. Pope Benedict is quoted, and the religious arguments seem to be fairly thorough. Quite readable, with sidebars that go into more details. Table of contents, timeline, “essential facts”, additional resources, source notes and index are included.