What is the most common objection expressed by some individuals in the United States to the medical use of human embryonic stem cells?

• A. They are illegal.
• B. Isolation of the cells requires destruction of embryos.
• C. Ethical concerns over sourcing of embryos but not destruction.
• D. Stem cells are ineffective.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is that many people object to embryonic stem cell research because obtaining the cells requires destroying embryos. For those who assign moral status to embryos, creating embryonic stem cells involves ending the embryo’s life, which they view as ethically unacceptable even if the research could lead to medical benefits. This concern remains central regardless of potential therapies, which is why it’s the strongest, most common objection.

It's worth noting that other concerns exist—some people worry about legality or other ethical implications, and some support alternatives such as induced pluripotent stem cells or adult stem cells that don't require destroying embryos. But the core objection you’re testing here is specifically the destruction of embryos to harvest the cells.