The topic of stem cell research is very controversial. Although most people who consider themselves "pro-life" are the main opposition to this potentially beneficial research, most people do not fully understand what stem cells are, much less their implications. In a highly generalized statement, stem cells are cells without specialization. This allows them to form in most cells of the body, depending on where they come from. In this essay I will not only offer a myriad of information regarding stem cells, but I will do an in-depth analysis of the question everyone wants answered: should stem cells be used? Before I get into the political and religious opinions that influence stem cell research, I would like to talk about what stem cells are, where they are taken from, and the medicinal benefits associated with stem cell research. Although I have already stated that stem cells are essentially unspecialized cells, they are actually much more complex than that. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, which means they can transform into any cell in the body. However, somatic stem cells can form in most tissues that make up our organs and are used to repair our bodies. The stem cells that are causing the most controversy are embryonic and fetal stem cells. This is because they are found in the early stages of the embryo, while fetal stem cells are found in the blood, bones and tissues of fetuses. The process of extracting stem cells would destroy the embryo and fetus. However, the somatic stem cells that we have in our body can be extracted from our tissues. Many religious groups believe that embryonic and fetal stem cell research is disrupting the natural birth process. According to Father Mar...... half of the document ......actionbioscience.org/biotech/chapman.html>.Hodges, Father Mark. Destructive research on embryonic stem cells. April 30, 2013 .Malakoff, David. Republican Party platform has a lot to say about science April 30, 2013. New evidence that stem cells contain immortal DNA. April 30, 2013. CIRM Stem Cell Research Funding Overview. April 30, 2013 .Stein, Rob. Embryonic stem cells appear to restore vision. April 18, 2013. What is the Democrats' position on stem cell research? April 30th 2013 .