Books Committee on Biological and Biomedical Applications of Stem Cell Research. Stem Cells and the Future of           Regenerative Medicine. Washington: National Academy Press, 2002. This book sets forth the scientific aspects of stem cell research based on all the research that had been done prior to its publication. The Committee has included chapters on both adult and embryonic stem cells, and it provides useful arguments of definition that explain the specifics of the scientific aspects of the research and its potential benefits.   Wassarman, Paul M. and Gordon M. Keller. Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells. Boston: Elsevier           Academic Press, 2003. Further scientific information can be found in this book, which explains the processes through which embryonic stem cells are obtained. Along with this information, it also briefly explains the medical benefits specific to embryonic stem cells that may be possible in the near future.   Waters, Brent and Ronald Cole-Turner, ed. God and the Embryo: Religious Voices on Stem Cells and Cloning.           Washington: Georgetown UP, 2003. An anthology of essays written by various authors comprises this publication. All the essays relate to the ethical aspects of cloning and stem cell research, specifically from a religious (mostly Christian) perspective. The multitude of authors in this book allows for a diversity of ethical opinions on these issues, and provides varied aspects of moral and emotional argument.

Articles Esposito, Joseph. "Stem-Cell Issue may Test Bush's Pro-Life Position." OSV: National Catholic Weekly           Newspaper (2001). Esposito builds an argument from a Catholic point of view about Bush's acts to limit stem cell research. He argues that by limiting stem cell research, Bush will once again raise the level of respect for human life. The article goes into detail about some of the legislation signed by Bush.   Harris, Cathi. "NIH Nominee Supports Federal Funding of Stem-Cell Research." Medical Ethics Advisor 18           (2002). In this short article, Harris documents the viewpoint of a government-trusted expert, Elias Zerhouni, M.D., over the controversy of federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.  He claims that if it is not funded by the government, then researchers will soon lose interest and the information to be gained from stem cells could be lost.   McGee, G. and A. Caplan. "The Ethics and Politics of Small Sacrifices in Stem Cell Research." Kennedy                   Institute of Ethics Journal 9.2 (1999): 151-8. The argument presented within this article is that, as of its publication date, there had been no good response to the ethical objections that many had already raised concerning stem cell research. However, this article was published in 1999, and much has changed since then. Nevertheless, this article still offers ethical opinions on stem cells research that are still pertinent today.   Walters, L. "Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: An Intercultural Perspective." Kennedy Institute Of           Ethics Journal 14.1 (2004): 3-38. Walters presents the moral and ethical objections to stem cell research that have been raised by multiple nations around the globe. Providing this more universal perspective allows the reader to learn of how various cultures, traditions, and religions have reacted to this issue. Furthermore, its more recent publication date ensures that the information is as up-to-date as possible.

Online Articles   Emanuel, Mike and Catherine Donaldson-Evans. "Candidates Discuss Stem Cells." FOXNews.com. 2004.           17 Oct. 2004 <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,135344,00.html>. In this short report, the positions of both 2004 presidential candidates concerning the issue of stem cell research are clearly and concisely put forward with what seems to be little or no bias. It corrects common misconceptions concerning both parties' opinions, especially in light of the recent death of Christopher Reeve. This article helps frame the issue of stem cell research within its current political context.   Shannon, Thomas A. "Stem-Cell Research: How Catholic Ethics Guide Us." Catholic Update. 2002. 14 Oct.           2004 <http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0102.asp>. Thomas Shannon, a professor of Religion and Social Ethics at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, explores the Catholic view on the ethics of stem cell research, especially involving embryos. Although his opinion is obviously biased based on his religious beliefs, Shannon does a good job of presenting the basics of the issue in a manner that is easy to understand for most audiences.   “Stem Cells Can Convert To Liver Tissue, Help Restore Damaged Organ.” Stem Cell Week June 2004.           20 Oct. 2004. This report describes one of the major benefits of stem cell research.  It focuses on a study of how a stem cell can be manipulated to form into other organs in the body to aid in procedures of repair and/or replacement, which could be used to guarantee that organs will always be readily available when needed. Herein can be found scientific details pertaining to this and other possible benefits.

Websites   Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics. 5 Oct. 2004           <http://www.stemcellresearch.org/>. The Coalition’s website features commentary on stem cells and links to many other sites that feature similar information. The bias of this website is obvious, as the anti-embryonic research opinion of the Coalition is clearly stated on the home page. However, this page provides useful information on the subject of ethics in stem cell research, regardless of this bias.   Stem Cells: Ethics, Research, and Regulation. Ethicsweb.ca. 30 Sept. 2004 <http://www.stemcells.ca>. Provided within this website, which is maintained by Chris MacDonald, an ethics and philosophy professor at Saint Mary’s University, are many links to other websites and online documents that explore the ethics behind stem cell research and recent legislation on the issue. The information that is presented is relatively recent and easily comprehensible.   The Stem Cell Research Foundation. 2004. American Cell Therapy Research Foundation. 5 Oct. 2004           <http://www.stemcellresearchfoundation.org/>. Within this well-organized and very professional site one can find much scientific information on the subject of stem cell research from the point of view of a research foundation. The Foundation believes in the potential for stem cells to be a great medical resource in the near future. Therefore, this website has a slight bias in favor of stem cell research. The currency of the information ensures that it is as up-to-date and correct as possible   Stem Cell Research and the Catholic Church. 2004. American Catholic. 7 Oct. 2004           <http://www.americancatholic.org/News/StemCell/default.asp>. Links to various articles and documents concerning the Catholic view on stem cell research, including remarks from Pope John Paul II, can be found on this website. This source provides easily understandable information that reinforces the Catholic opinions and objections to the use of embryos in stem cell research. Furthermore, the articles attempt to address the arguments of those who support this research.