input: [Question] Should federal funding be used to expand embryonic stem cell research? [Position] ANSWER OPTION Federal funding should be used to expand embryonic stem cell research, even if that research uses viable human embryos. CANDIDATE'S POSITION In a written statement to MPR Franken said, "I support embryonic stem cell research. The blastocysts used for this potentially life-saving research contain only a few cells, and thousands are simply discarded by fertility clinics every year. A few of these blastocysts could be used instead to develop stem cell lines for potentially life-saving research. Given that the real choice is between using blastocysts for this purpose or throwing them away, their potential to save so many lives argues for allowing the government to fund and regulate this research. And by the way, I'd like to see this research happening at the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic, not in Zurich or Tokyo. Once again, Minnesota can be at the forefront of the next wave of technology." [Issue] 
output: Stem Cells