I agree with you Kenneth that we have to think about this seriously, but as a scientist I find your viewpoint very closed-minded. Just because research has not led to any applicable cures yet, doesn't mean we shouldn't continue in that area.

History is replete with examples of research that could be considered morally dodgy at the time but have resulted in things we wouldn't think of being without (many discoveries such as splitting the atom, rockets & jets, radar, synthetic blood, etc., all of which are products of military research, or military-funded research).

And of course, different people have different opinions about when an embryo is a human life, and therefore have a different moral outlook with regards this research. Do you agree with animal testing for medical gains? There are many people who agree with animal testing, but not with embryonic stem cell research, and yet an animal is already alive and aware, a collection of a few cells is not (and if you're worried about a few cells, then don't ever wash, or use deodorant, or brush up against anything).

From a devil's advocate.