There is no denying the ethical dilemmas that come with embryonic stem cell research. On par with hot-button issues such as abortion and "death with dignity," the stem cell debate takes on religion and science, politics and personal beliefs — life and death.

But this is not a black-and-white issue. It is a decision that must be based on reason, not personal beliefs. It stands to reason that stem cells could potentially help millions who suffer from debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. But the president's personal belief has prevented research in that area from progressing.

In his press release, he stated that the House "chose to discard existing protections on human life." And therein lies the problem.

Critics argue that embryonic stem cell research is morally wrong because it destroys human life. But the legislation would allow funding for research using embryos from fertility clinics that would otherwise be destroyed. Why should the progress of potentially life-saving research be hindered for a reason that is null and void, given the bill's language? It shouldn't be.

The House has passed similar legislation three times before, to no avail — and a majority of Americans as well as many Republicans agree that the research holds great promise and should be supported. That, however, hasn't swayed the Bush administration from preventing the bill from going through in the past, which is beyond unfortunate.

The one light in the tunnel lies in last week's news that scientists in Japan and the United States have found ways to make cells "equivalent" to embryonic stem cells using mice, without having to create or destroy embryos. This discovery would avoid the political minefield that embryonic stem cell research has unsuccessfully navigated. It's an option that deserves to be explored further.

In the meantime, the president has the opportunity to approve research that can possibly provide cures and give hope to the suffering. Let's hope reason will prevail.