Embryonic stem cells are unspecialised or undifferentiated. This means they can divide to form any type of cell. Embryonic stem cells could be used in medicine to replace damaged cells. This could treat diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes or blood and heart disorders. Embryos are usually destroyed when the stem cells are extracted from them. Sometimes people object for ethical reasons or religious beliefs. In other words, some argue that each embryo has the potential to develop into a human being. As with many medical procedures, there are associated risks including the transfer of viral infection between embryo and host.