Over the next several days, Sandy, Matt, and Jim debated the possibility of an embryonic stem cell treatment. Th e Allisons were confl icted about this decision because they were devout Christians who strongly opposed abortion, and they had heard that embryonic stem cells came from aborted fetuses.
Sandy brought this issue up with Dr. Gupta, the head investigator for the experimental stem cell study.
“Doctor, we are excited about the possibility of a treatment that may enable Jim to walk again. However, we do not want to harm other lives in the process of curing our son. Will this treatment result in the death of innocent lives?” Sandy asked Dr. Gupta.

1. Why is there controversy surrounding the therapeutic use of embryonic stem cells?
2. What embryos are used as the source for embryonic stem cells? What would happen to these embryos if they were not used in such treatments?
3. Taking into account the information you provided for the last question, how would you answer Sandy’s question to Dr. Gupta?