This pathfinder is meant to serve as a starting point for anyone who wants to research embryonic stem cell research and whether it should or should not receive government funding.

Online Databases: GaleNet’s Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center

SIRS Knowledge Source

(Click on “Leading Issues”, then click on “Stem cells”)

Facts.com

(Search for “stem cells” using the issues and controversies database)

Big Chalk

(Search for “Stem cells”)

Specific Web Sites: Yahoo! News: Human Stem Cell Research

(A collection of news articles about stem cell research. Many of the articles quote scientists who are researching stem cells. Many discuss alternate sources of stem cells other than embryonic stem cells. Some of them require registration)

CNN.com: The Stem Cell Debate

(Another collection of articles dealing with stem cells. They present the views of those supporting and opposing embryonic stem cell research. For example, opponents of embryonic stem cell research believe that adult stem cells could be used as an alternative, while proponents of embryonic stem cell research say that that the embryonic stem cells hold more promise.)

Wired News: Stem Cells Heal a Broken Heart

(A report about an operation where stem cells successfully repaired a human heart)

Practical Hope

(An anti-embryonic stem cell argument that suggests adult stem cells as an alternative)

Primary Sources: Remarks by the President on Stem Cell Research

(President Bush’s decision concerning government funded stem cell research)

Organizations, Associations: American Life League

(Anti embryonic stem cell research)

Do No Harm

(Anti embryonic stem cell research)

ES Cell International

(Pro embryonic stem cell research)

WiCell Research Institute, Inc.

(Pro embryonic stem cell research)

Keywords/Phrases/Subject Headings: “stem cells”, “Stem cells” “stem cell research”, “anti-stem cell research”, “pro-stem cell research organizations”

Additional Advice to Researchers: I strongly suggest the databases and CNN because they offer a wide variety of opinions and ideas about the issue. I also like the “Practical Hope” page because it offers an anti embryonic stem cell research argument that is actually logical.

Wesley P. Payton

4/21/03