Embryonic Stem Cells Save LivesSpecial cells taken from human embryos, called embryonic stem cells (ES cells), actually have the power to save your life. These cells can serve many medical purposes and have the ability to benefit people in infinite ways. The importance of embryonic stem cells lies in their lack of specialization. These basic cells are present in the early stages of development of embryos and are capable of developing into virtually any type of cell and tissue in the body. Being self-renewing, they offer a potentially unlimited source of cells and tissues. (Tucker) The versatility of these unique cells is what makes them so valuable and vital to human existence. They have properties that no other part of the human body can possess. An example of how ES cells might work is Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is caused by the death of brain cells that produce dopamine. Placing ES cells in the dopamine-producing region of the brain could cure Parkinson's. This is just one of many possible effects that ES cells could have on, among other things, serious diseases. The importance of this relatively new discovery, although not yet understood by everyone, may already have played an important role in the lives of a majority of people. I am one of those people and I can actually relate a personal experience that has made me a strong believer in the importance of ES cells. I am sure that there are many people who have had experiences similar to mine and who, drawing on their own personal experiences, can understand the significance of ES cells in today's world. But if ES cells can prevent life-threatening diseases and save your life, why does the government ban research on them? The uniqueness of these special cells has caused a tremendous amount of controversy not only in the medical world, but also in politics and wherever the topic has been discussed. It is to be expected that there will be risks associated with the study and use of ES cells. Some of those who oppose ES cell research argue that it is wrong to experiment on human embryos because it prevents human life from evolving from those embryos. Another important reason why ES cells are so controversial is the possibility that the cells could be used for purposes other than producing cells and tissues to help treat diseases, such as cloning..