In this paper, I will be discussing one of the most controversial topics there is. That topic is none other than, human stem cells. You will read the pros and cons of the use and the ways of acquiring human stem cells. Alright, let’s get to it. Before we get into to discuss the pros and cons of human stem cells, we will need to first understand what human stem cells are. To start, stem cells are the body’s raw material – cells from which all other cells with specialized functions are generated. So basically, this is what every organ in your body is made from. Stem cells when acquired can be grown in laboratories and in ideal situations they would be free of genetic defects and would create more stem cells (NIH). They can even be frozen and …show more content…
To begin with, stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the potential to create other specific types of cells, such as blood-, muscle-, brain- and tissue-cells. What this means is that using these unspecialized cells to create specific, that in the future we will be able to use stem cells to regenerate ourselves in the event of any major diseases that would affect us. The use of stem cell therapy also known as regenerative medicine can help to promote the reparative response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives (Phillips). Some have said that stem cells might eventually replace organ transplanting, which is limited in supply, as opposed to stem cells which is made from cells. Stem cells are grown in laboratories, where scientists …show more content…
(n.d.). Stem Cell Research: Weighing Both Sides of the Debate. Retrieved February 06, 2018, from https://www.thebalance.com/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research-375483
• Stem cells: FAQs about stem cell research. (2013, March 23). Retrieved February 06, 2018, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117
• Hollowell, K. (2002, February 01). Ten Problems with Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Retrieved February 06, 2018, from http://www.icr.org/article/ten-problems-with-embryonic-stem-cell-research/
• Stem Cell Basics I. (n.d.). Retrieved February 06, 2018, from https://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/1.htm
• Stem Cell Research - Pros and Cons. (n.d.). Retrieved February 06, 2018, from
However, many find this research unethical because of the method of collecting stem cells. Like Victor Frankenstein’s experiment,
Ian Kerridge and Ronald Fung in "Uncertain Translation, Uncertain Benefit And Uncertain Risk: Ethical Challenges Facing First-In-Human Trials Of Induced Pluripotent Stem (Ips) Cells" talk about the discovery of “induced pluripotent stem (iPS)” in 2006 and its application in cell replacement therapy, and how it changed the debate on the ethics stem cell. In the article Ian and Ronald explain how iPS is different from the regular stem cell, and how it changes the debate of ethics in this matter. The problems with the ethics and stem cells are the experiments, and use of embryos, and ova taken from women and do research with it. Although the iPS is one alternative to the stem cell research, are different from the normal human stem cells. In conclusion
Many people argue that the embryo dies from this, which is why I thought I was going to be against this. But, there ways that stem cell research can be done without killing embryos. Also, the research from this could potentially lead to the cure of cancer which would save millions of lives. One of the biggest
Embryonic stem cell research is an exciting area of regenerative medicine because of the probability of enormous potential for finding treatments and cures for debilitating diseases, disabilities, and cancers. The possibilities to learn and understand human growth from researching stem cells could lead toward a future where human suffering is all but eliminated [1]. The reasons that embryonic stem cells are more favorable than any other source of stem cells is because alternative stem cell lines are shorter-lived and do not have the same level of pluripotency. From a utilitarian perspective, the morally favorable option is to use embryonic stem cells from embryos since they are not equivalent to a fully formed human being, stem cells are taken
The public was upset that human embryos were being used, and were convinced that this kind of experimentation was inhumane. What the public refused to consider, however, was the potential that stem cells had in medicine. Scientists believed that they could be used to develop
Stem cell research is in its infancy, which means scientists do not have sufficient information to make it certain that stem cell treatment is safe. Both embryonic and adult stem cells have its risks. For example, in case of embryonic stem cell transplant, it may lead to rejection of the immune system. Human immune system rejects certain cells or organs if transplanted ones have differences with its immune profile. If adult stem cells are used, some of these harvested cells might contain mutated genetic information or being defected during the process of the treatment.
First, using embryonic stem cells to treat various problems usually comes with some major safety risks and concerns. The long term side effects
A stem cell is “a simple cell in the body that is able to develop into any one of various kinds of cells”(Webster 1). While there are many types of cells,
Embryonic stem cells, on the other hand, can only be taken from embryos, and taking them kills off the embryo. It is obvious that embryonic stem cell research can be viewed as unethical. Many such religious affiliations believe that “all human life is valuable regardless of where it may fall on the continuum of life.” (christianitytoday.com). However, embryonic stem cell research has a lot of potentials to solve many diseases and illnesses.
Not all of the stem cells are controversial. Mostly the only one that people don’t approve of is the Embryonic Stem cell transplant. Embryonic Stem Cell Research is when scientist take cells from aborted fetuses or fertilized eggs and use then for medical research purposes. This causes controversy because it is against most people 's religion to get abortions. Even if it not against their religion, some people still do not like the idea of taking stem cells from aborted babies and putting them into sick people.
This process provides a safe alternative to embryonic cells, as the stem cells did not produce tumors. Adult stem cells are also being found in more tissues than ever thought (Stem cell Basics). This would allow many different uses of the adult stem cells, as they can only form certain major cell types of a tissue or
The article also used the comparison of one worldly wrong to the acceptance of stem cell research. For example, “Our society does not permit lethal experiments on terminally ill patients or condemned prisoners on the pretext that they will soon die anyway.” The source used many different persuasive techniques to create a strong argument which explained the topic well, but it lacked an unbiased perspective. I found this source to be very eye opening because it put a completely different light on stem cell research. The article brought up several points that I hadn’t considered before and it definitely influenced my view on the use of embryos for research.
Ethical Issues There are ethical issues that have come to light with the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells. Some of these issues that have been raised include: privacy issues of donors, certain safety issues of patients, and the possibility that these cells could be used to develop gametes or misused for reproductive research. There is also the ethical concern regarding changes that may occur with collection of these cells and also the possibility of creating endless adult stem cell lines. “On the one hand, we have research of extraordinarily high potential, but on the other hand, we are manipulating human beings” (O’Mathunta, 2002, p. 197). In addition, donors may oppose their
yet it’s there.” Stem Cell causes numerous consequences for, it was not reliable and this should undertake deeper studies on the other hand this was the only hope for the person suffering from diseases. We should thank God for the life we have. All of us have a special purpose, it is to live and do God’s will. People were God’s creation all of us were obliged to love one another not to hurt others especially the embryos inside the mother’s
Many people view this as destroying a potential for life to futher scientific research and knowledge. A lot of the opposition to stem cell research comes from the moral belief that human life begins at conception and some see it that destroying an embryo for medical research or even to treat another human is morally the same as killing a human child or adult for research. Many people with these views are strongly religious Roman Catholics or Orthodox