My first proposal was generalized on the idea of stem cell research. After the feedback I received from my peers and Professor Becker I narrowed my thesis statement to be: “What impact has the stem cell debate had on our society?” I looked up several articles trying to find both sides of the argument, however what I found was mainly on the advocates of stem cell research. I tried to find neutral sources that did not advocate any side per se, because I wanted an unbiased view on this particular topic.


This first source provides research on a technique that uses skin cells to create the stem cells, rather than damaging the embryo. This source is important to my research because it gives a position for the pro-stem cells side by alleviating the ethical concerns of stem cells.
This second source is an interesting source because it provides a downside of embryonic stem cell research. It gives a list of ten problems surrounding what this research represents. This important because it gives a topic for debate and asks questions that could hinder the advancement of this research.
I chose this source because it gives a good introduction to what stem cells are as well as answering underlining questions that have the potential to spark controversies.
This source provides a neutral standpoint explaining the stem cell debate from a not entirely one sided and takes both opinions into consideration. This will give information on what to consider when analyzing the controversy.
This last source also provides an an introduction to stem cells as well as the highlighting the main sides of both the argument. It gives a timeline of the main debates in stem cell research. Especially President Bush’s Decision on Stem Cell Funding.

After reading and synthesizing these articles, I learned a lot of new things. I learned that this particular debate was very significant during the Bush era. So I decided to focus more on these specific questions: how the debate has impacted the way we think about ethical problems, stem cell research/societal/cultural popular opinions, how society’s opinion has evolved over time and specifically since the Bush era, the specific comments/opinions Bush and other important figures diplomacy on stem cell research. I think answering these questions are really important to make this inquiry project a great research paper!
