Stem Cell Research Controversy

Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into different types of cells in the body. Stem cells also act as a repair system for many tissues in the body by dividing repeatedly to replenish other cells within a person (National Institutes of Health). Stem cell research seeks to further the advancement of the use of stem cells as well as to find an ethical way to study them. In November 1998, researchers found a way to isolate and culture human embryonic stem cells, (Bevington 2005). The ethics of stem cell research has been debated over the years and some people fully support the use of stem cells, whereas others are completely against the use of stem cells. This has been an ongoing battle for scientists over the span of two decades prior to the 1998 finding.

Stem Cell research and its funding have caused a lot of controversy throughout the past years. Stem cells are cells that are present in all living organisms. These cells have the potential to grow into any type of cell, including blood cells, nerves, muscles, and pancreatic cells. Stem cell research is essential because of the beneficial aspects it has to offer. Stem cells could potentially treat conditions such as Alzheimer 's, Parkinson 's, birth defects, strokes, Diabetes, cancer, and help in the reconstruction of severely damaged organs. Although stem cell research withholds great potential for many medical advances, a lot of controversy surrounds the sources and methods of obtaining stem cells and the possibility of improper usage of the knowledge acquired from research and experimentation. It is necessary for scientist to continue research as well as recognizing any ethical issues that may be present.

Stem cell research has been quite a controversial topic since its origin in the 1960s by Gopal Das and Joseph Altman. Of course, anything that uses a human embryo would be. Stem cell research could open a vast number of new doors for modern science, it could let us test new drugs, one of which could be the unfound cure for AIDS or Alzheimer’s disease. However, this branch of science comes at a high price, the price of a human life that is only five to six days

“I truly believe that stem cell research is going to allow our children to look at Alzheimer’s and diabetes and other major diseases the way we look at polio today, which is a preventable disease” (Solomon). Susan Solomon has founded the New York Stem Cell Foundation and has been seen as the hero for stem cell scientists around the world. Over the past couple years, stem cell research has been at its high; scientists all over the world are using these cells to try to find new ways to cure life threatening diseases. Some have used stem cells to treat patients who have been brain dead recently and these cells made the dead portion of the brain start functioning again. Also, some scientists and doctors have

Controversy surrounding research and therapeutic use of stem cells has been a contentious and socially polarizing matter for a few decades. Arguments lie largely between the scientific community and the general public, although intragroup disagreements also persist today. These disparate views for and against stem cells arise out of the bioethical implications of an inchoate innovation, the general public’s tenuous understanding of the underlying technology itself, and sociopolitical ideologies. Due to the somewhat aged debate, recent revelations and advancements have changed the principle arguments and should be addressed accordingly.

In recent years, stem cell research has become a prominent way of treating: heart disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, spinal problems, and much more ; moreover, in recent years as Stem cell research became more popular, it has sparked controversy over the religion aspect of stem cell research. Stem cell research begins with culturing an embryonic cell and then injecting the stem cell into the area of concern(Robertson). Pluripotent stem cells are gathered and used to treat the areas, pluripotent stem cells are those that are in the earliest stages of development ; in addition, at this stage, cells can learn the jobs and take shape of cells that did the job once before (Robertson).

Stem cell research has been a hot topic for debates all over the country. People from every major religion and walks of life are always trying to find the morality behind stem cells. However, not all religions have the same opinions.

In 1981, Scientists found a way to extract embryonic stem cells from mouse embryos. Years later, in 1998, a method to extract stem cells from human embryos and grow the cells in the laboratory was discovered. The main purpose was to use the cell's ability to regenerative as a method of treating diseases. As time went by, people started to oppose the idea of using embryonic stem cell for research. So, funding that helped continue research on embryos started to decrease. This conclusion came from some people considering that embryonic stem cells research was similar to killing babies. Others thought that research on adult stem cells was less controversial than research on embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cell research leads to the

Stem cell research is extremely prevalent in today’s society, and on the other hand controversial. When thinking of stem cell research many questions, and challenges arise from it. Some problems that arise from the topic of stem cell research involves, religious beliefs, personal, and ethical beliefs. In the next few paragraphs the facts of stem cell research will be mentioned, and questions will be answered with factual evidence.

It is imperative that students who are planning to enter the medical field be well-informed about this issue so that they can begin to develop their own convictions about medical ethics, specifically regarding the stem cell debate. This report defines what stem cells, describes the different types of stem cell research and their potential role in disease therapy, and the presents the ethical controversy surrounding stem cell research.

Over the years there have been exponential amount of medical advancements. One of these great advancements is stem cell research and one that is not without controversy. There have been many debates over stem cell research from the dinner table to the Senate floor. While many say, stem cell research saves lives, others say, stem cell research takes lives. As a Christian where should we stand? First of all, we must be informed. This paper will discuss what a stem cell is, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and what the Bible says about this.

Stem cell research and use is a good idea because stem cells can cure diseases, stem cells treat a lot of injuries, stem cells make people with diabetes live longer, the cells get people free from infectious agents.

After reading the “‘Bubble baby’ stem cell” paper I have came to the conclusion that stem cell research is a good thing. The reason why I think that is if we never do research and create a cure for “Bubble baby disease” then we will continue to lose babies. But, if we risk some lives of babies for research in the long run it will saves millions if not billions of lives. In this essay I will give three reasons on why I think stem cell research is a good thing.

In 1998 scientists were able to isolate human stem cells. Since then there have been many controversies and questions regarding stem cell research. What are stem cells? Are there differences in stem cells? What can you do with stem cells? Why should we fund stem cell research? There are a multitude of ways stem cells can be used, other than being the cells we are built on.

Stem cell research, through its ethics, methods, and funding, has caused great controversy over the past several decades. Scientists, medical specialists, religious groups, spiritual groups, the government and the public have devoted a major interest in this subject. Some portray stem cell research as a dangerous, inhumane study whereas others see it as a growing beneficial factor for opportunity of the advancement of the medical world. Stem cell research has been proven to aid various diseases and disorders as well as further our knowledge of the body and its cells. Stem cell development continues to rapidly grow throughout research, which has enhanced its benefits and potential that hold the key to ameliorating science.