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By Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 19, 2001
PROS: Many scientists think stem cells hold the promise of dramatic new treatments for diseases, such as Parkinson's, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's and spinal cord injuries
CONS: Opponents say embryo research is immoral because embryos are destroyed in the course of obtaining stem cells and the embryos have the capacity to become human beings.
THE DECISION: President Bush is expected to decide this month whether to allow federal funding for research that uses embryonic stem cells. He does not want to alienate voters or thwart medical advances.