Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

Human Embryo Experimentation. By David Hauser and Susan Musser. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2007. 97 p. $28.70. ISBN 978-0-7377-3234-6.

Legislation to permit stem cell research has been vetoed by the present administration. The controversy between whether the cluster of embryonic cells is a human life with rights similar to those granted fully formed human beings is the focus of the 14 essays in this book. Taken from published research, a discussion "Human Embryonic Research Is Necessary," is countered by "The Potential of Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy Is Exaggerated." The pros and cons will help students who are asked to research and debate these topics. At the beginning of each article, the author is introduced and an introductory paragraph sets the stage. Appendixes include "Organizations to Contact" and a 5-page bibliography of articles for further research. Because this topic is so controversial, having both sides of the debate in one volume should counter any implication of bias in the selection.