Embryonic stem cells are the cure for many ailments of the human body, including defective organs and disabling diseases, or their use is a blatant disregard of human rights humans and the value of life? Thanks to rapid advances in this field, the potential benefits of stem cells are slowly becoming reality. However, embryonic stem cell research is an extremely controversial topic in the United States due to the ethical issues surrounding aborting embryos to harvest stem cells. In response to this debate, Congress passed the Dickey-Wicker Amendment in 1995 to ban federal funding of research involving the destruction of embryos. President Bush confirmed this decision, but more recently President Obama lifted many of these restrictions. Although a significant portion of Americans do not support embryonic stem cell research, it should be federally funded because of the potential health benefits, the definition of human, and the opportunity to clearly define regulations for ethical research. The wide range of potential uses for stem cells could greatly improve the health and well-being of many people. In stem cell treatments, undifferentiated cells are programmed to form specific cells, which can then be transplanted to the affected area. Stem cells may possibly treat diseases including “Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis” (“Stem Cell Basics”). Another important use is in drug testing. Drugs can be tested on stem cells that develop in the target tissue before using them in human subjects, which improves safety. Ultimately, transplanting organs created from stem cells could eliminate the need for human stem cells. “Federal funds should not be used for research that destroys embryos.” Stem cells. Jacqueline Langwith. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. Opposing Views. Rpt. from "Stem cells, life and law". National Review (August 25, 2010). Opposing points of view in context. Network. April 15, 2013. Waskey, Andrew J. “Moral State of the Embryo.” Encyclopedia of stem cell research. Ed. Clive N. Svendsen and Allison D. Ebert. Thousand Oaks, California: SAGE Publications, Inc., 2008. 347-52. SAGE knowledge. Network. April 15, 2013. “What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses are realized?” . Information on stem cells. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, 2009.