Numerous researchers tout the potential therapeutic benefits from human embryonic stem cells. Critics object to the fact that, in order to obtain stem cells, the embryos must be destroyed. This article presents an overview of the conflicting ethical arguments in favor of and against embryonic stem cell research. Research on the early human embryo has long been recognized as essential to progress in a host of bio- medical areas from reproductive medicine to the treatment of pediatric cancers. Now, with the possibility of stem cell research and cell replacement therapies, embryo research holds out the promise of cures for many serious disease conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite its importance, however, human embryo research has met powerful opposition. Among the questions we examine in our scientific paper are: What is the impact of new biological information on our thinking about life’s begin- ning? May parents risk injuring a child in order to have it? What role should religion play in shaping biomedical policy in a controversial area like this? This is a fascinating insider’s account of one of the most important, if unsuccessful, recent efforts to come to terms with a controversial area of scientific research. At the same time, several recommendations of lege ferenda were proposed.