Stem cell research has been a controversial issue in the media and politics, because many researchers view embryonic stem cells as having the most potential for future medical advances. Unlike adult stem cells (found in both children and adults) that are limited to becoming only a few different types of cells, embryonic stem cells can potentially become any type of cell in the body. The controversy comes because embryonic stem cells must be harvested from human embryos, and the concern is that embryonic tissues for research are harvested from aborted embryos. The ethical debates surrounding stem cell research center around these embryos, and it is this ethical problem that has led to restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.
Fortunately, stem cell transplants involve adult stem cells, and these are harvested from bone marrow, the bloodstream, or the umbilical cord blood. So research and procedures involving them are not restricted like embryonic stem cell research. You can receive your stem cell transplant without worry that you may be violating your standards or beliefs about abortion or when human life begins.
