A stem cell is essentially a blank cell capable of becoming another, more differentiated cell-type in the body, such as a skin cell, a muscle cell or a nerve cell.

The first misconception is that embryonic stem cell research is not legal. The fact is, embryonic stem cell research is completely legal. Research on embryonic stem cells has taken place for years.

There is an abundance of misinformation, exaggeration, and blatant lies being spread by interest groups regarding the prospects for embryonic stem cell research.

The refusal to acknowledge the scientific value of embryonic stem cell research is one more tragic misstep.

I wholeheartedly support umbilical stem cell research, but also support embryonic stem cell research.

Embryonic stem cell research will prolong life, improve life and give hope for life to millions of people.