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Embryonic Stem Cells Pros And Cons

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Imagine an all-powerful miracle cure that could help treat devastating spinal injuries or eliminate the need for insulin injections. To some extent, one already exists. For years, researchers have been studying the miraculous potential of human embryonic stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells, also known as hESC, have the ability to develop into any kind of specialized cells in the human body, ranging from as simple as a skin cell to as complex as a neuron. This “miracle cure,” however, comes with a great cost; the stem cells have to be extracted from a human embryo, completely destroying it. Research institutions often obtain embryos either from abortion clinics or, most commonly, as a donation from a fertility clinic. Fertility clinics …show more content…

A great deal of Americans believe that it is morally reprehensible to destroy an embryo for research purposes, as well as create embryos specifically for research, which can almost seem like “playing God.” Many people also base their distaste for hESC experimentation on their religious convictions, such as the Christian belief that life begins at conception. Both beliefs make sense and should be acknowledged when considering if the government should have a hand in funding stem cell research. However, while religious values and morals are valid beliefs that are essential for humanity to function, sometimes they get in the way of real progress and should not be the only factor considered. Furthermore, it can be argued that using “spare” embryos from in-vitro fertilization is even more humane. Supporters of hESC experimentation argue that it would be for the best if the embryos had the chance do everything in their power to help “alleviate human suffering” (Bothwell 165). Additionally, some argue that that federally funding hESC research is unecessary due to one simple fact: the stem cell industry is already largely run on private donations and state funding. While private and state donations have certainly helped usher in groundbreaking discoveries, the resources of the federal government vastly dwarfs the resources of the states; one can only imagine the possibility of future

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