# Explain why some people have ethical objections to the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research.

> Eduqas GCSE Biology — 2.2.2 Stem cells · Explain · 4 marks

> Scientists can extract stem cells from human embryos that are a few days old. These stem cells can potentially be used to treat a range of diseases.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Embryos are destroyed / killed during the extraction process
2. Some people believe the embryo is a living human being / has the right to life
3. Some people believe life begins at fertilisation / from the moment of conception
4. Therefore destroying the embryo is seen as taking a human life / is morally unacceptable to some people

## Key terms

- [embryonic stem cells](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/embryonic-stem-cells)
- [embryo](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/embryo)
- [ethical objections](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ethical-objections)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Biology](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-some-people-have-ethical-6960bf21) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.