There are many who have strong opinions on the subject. Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas is quoted as saying, "The prospect of government-sponsored experiments to manipulate and destroy human embryos should make us all lie awake at night" ("Embryo" Par. 5). Researchers have been and wish to continue using surplus embryos for experimentation. Most of the breakthroughs made have been done using donated embryos (Tucker Par. 9). This moral issue has also come up in many theological discussions. Often the question arises, "Is an embryo a person?" In most theological discussions the answer has been "yes". However, the Jewish religion has taken a standpoint opposite that ("Embryo" Par. 10). The huge amount of controversy is a major obstacle, which is impeding the progress of cloning research. .

             The potential this breakthrough has brought could very well be endless. These researchers have opened up many doors for science. Science News Online"s J. Travis states, "human embryonic stem cells could shine a light on such mysteries as how developing cells commit to becoming neurons or other types of cells" (Travis Par. 21). Dr. Brigid Hogan who was the scientific co-chairwoman and principal author of a National Institutes of Health agreed to an interview with Nicholas Wade of the "New York Times on the Web". In the interview, Wade gives an idea of the potential of embryo research when she speaks of Dr. Hogan"s research, "With a group of 11 people, including graduate and postdoctoral students, she is trying to reverse-engineer the mouse by analyzing the genetic program that guides its development from an egg" ("In the Ethics" Par. 19). With this information and research, scientists are able to take out and also put in certain genes ("In the Ethics" Par. 20). The medical profession, as well as future patients will benefit from this breakthrough.