As Christians we are instilled with the belief that all life is sacred from the moment of conception. But what if science could develop a cure for degenerative diseases using research that contradicts the Catholic Church's firm beliefs? Could you trade your beliefs for a cure? Stem cell research offers precisely this solution to modern society. As technology becomes more advanced, we are constantly gathering more and more information about the science of human life. With this in mind, however, who gets to decide when the cost of violating human rights and decency outweighs the benefits? Embryonic stem cell research takes excess embryos from in vitro fertilization and aborted fetuses to conduct research. The research is invasive and leads to fetal death. How can we Catholics, called to be socially called, promote this quest when it so challenges our beliefs? Research on embryonic stem cells is a desecration of the validity and sacredness of human life and therefore constitutes the murder of human beings. The means of obtaining material for this research promotes disrespect for the dignity of human life, murder, and also interferes with God's plan for humanity. There are three main types of stem cell research currently being studied today. These types include umbilical cord stem cells, adult stem cells, and embryonic stem cells. Thanks to their ability to develop into virtually any cell type, stem cells hold great promise in scientific experimentation. Scientists are pushing these forms of research with the promise of finding cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions and diseases. (Smith and Kaczor 48). The...... middle of the card......Perf. Jim Carrey and Steve Carell. Twentieth Century Fox, 2008. Film. Experimentation on human embryos. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Bonnie Barbour, 2002. PrintIrving, Dianne N. “Stem Cell Research: Some Pros and Cons.” Physicsforlife.ca. N.d. Web. January 1, 2011.Richert, Scott P. “Catholic Church Teaching on Stem Cell Research.” cattolicesimo.about.com. N.d. Web. January 1, 2011.Smith, Janet E, and Christopher Kaczor. Life questions medical choices. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messeger Press, 2007. Print. The English Standard Version of the Bible: containing the Old and New Testaments with apocrypha. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2009. Print.The Gospel of Life, Evangelium vitae. Pope John Paul II, March 25, 1995.