Stem Cell Research Essay

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

Thesis: Stem cell research is a great example for the controversial uprisings by advances in bio-medical research. There are many different pros and cons when it comes to discussing the use of stem cells. In order to develop an opinion of whether or not stem cells should be used, one must first understand what they are and how they are used. Moreover, I will point out how stem cell research is beneficial in today's society.

is a stem cell? Well basically they are cells in the human body that exist in a sort of neutral

Despite the new technological advances that bring promise to many medical treatments, few issues cause concern when implementing the research into clinical studies. Many ethical dilemmas slow the progression of research due to the variety of opinions influenced by moral beliefs. Resembling abortion, the process of fetal stem cell research includes destruction of the embryo five to seven days after conceived, in order to obtain the needed stem cells. Stem cells main function is to divide and regenerate into new more specially designed cells. In 1981, mice stem cells were obtained but over ten years later, researchers were able to extract stem cells from human embryos. It is believed the stem cells of a human embryo could better the treatments of birth defects, diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer. The finding of these stem cells and their uses established a moral standstill within medicine and society.

During long years, governments of developed countries weren’t certain of what to do about this subject. They took different positions depending on the techniques that were used: if the embryo was an extra IVF embryo or if it was created on that purpose; and on the consequences the researches would have on him. Today, according to www.bionetonline.org , most of European countries such as France, Germany or Spain do not allow embryonic stem cell researches. In United States, during Bush’s administration, during 8 years, federal funding were not given for embryonic stem cells researches. Indeed, in a letter to the House Members, NIH Director Zerhouni said: “the president’s position is still predicated on his belief that taxpayer funds should not sanction or encourage further destruction of human embryos that have at least the potential for life”. Now, according to an article in About.com: U.S Liberal Politics titled: Pros& Cons of Embryonic Stem Cell Research“ President Obama have lifted the federal funding ban for embryonic stem cell research”. But still, laws are very clear, and even if using embryonic cells is allowed, credible sources such as Wikipedia declare that ”the creation of a human embryo

One of the most controversial topics these days is Stem Cell Research. There seems to be a split opinion among societies about the research and whether it is socially and morally acceptable. As a society, we need to open our minds to the possibility of broadening our scientific horizons with stem cell research, and take the time to learn and understand whatever we can about it.

The government has not funded stem cell research since 2001 for various reasons, some understandable, others I have to disagree on. I believe stem cell research should be funded by the government because it will advance our knowledge on how to treat and cure certain diseases. Many people, researchers and scientist included, strongly agree that we cannot continue our knowledge and technological advancement without the support of our own government.

Patrick Guinan says that the ethical view of embryonic stem cell research needs to be questioned because it kills off something that has the ability to be a human being (Williams). Some people may think that but Catherine Waldby says that the embryo as just an “idea of human life” (Lauritzen) and finds no destructive behavior used in stem cell research. Even though the issue over stem cell research goes on, sixty-seven percent of Americans say they support the use of embryonic stem cell research (Hall).

Stem cells are cells with the potential to become any type of cell in the body. There are two different types of stem cells: adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells are very valuable and are used mainly to treat blood diseases, but sometimes adult stem cells from the brain are used to treat neurological diseases. Adult stem cells can also be difficult to recognize in the adult body. Embryonic stem cells are more flexible than adult stem cells and can be used for a bigger variety of diseases (California’s Stem Cell Agency,2011). Some people do not believe in the use of embryonic stem cells, because they believe they are killing future life. Despite the controversy over how stem cells are gathered, stem cells have undeniable

Embryonic stem cell research can be easily defined. A stem is defined as something that is developed from. A cell is defined as a microscopic living organism. According to Dennis Hollinger, "Embryonic stem cell research uses from the embryo's inner cell mass that give rise to each of the human body's many different tissue types"(1). In our modern day society, stem cell research has become a controversial topic. Several people strongly oppose the idea of the research, but many are struggling for the continuance of the program. Embryonic stem cell research should be allowed to continue because it aids in the search of cures for diseases, offers an alternative to discarding unused embryos from in vitro fertilization, and is supported by the

For a few decades, although mostly within the past fifteen years, medical teams have relished in the research of stem cells, especially embryonic stem cells. The fascinating potential associated with these cells is intoxicating, and scientists across the nation are eager apply their findings towards curing diseases and saving lives. Yet despite all of the excitement, many people are uncomfortable with the topic. From its inception, stem cell research has consistently sparked ethical conflict. Although many types of stem cell research should certainly be allowed, embryonic stem cell research is absolutely wrong and should be prohibited.

While the use of stem cells can offer a lot to the scientific community, the derivation of stem cells from embryos is ethically unacceptable; and the use of stem cells in humans should be completely prohibited. Since the first research on embryo stem cells in 1998 on mice the controversy has been relentless (Timeline), and even now, scientists have made great strides in waning off of embryonic stem cells and instead using induced pluripotent stem cells from adults, however these have their issues as well. Whatever the benefits may be, using stem cells to propagate differentiated human cells, tissues, or organs should be prohibited. The government has been addressing this issue since the arise of stem cell research. There are many

In recent years there has been lots of studying and scientific research regarding stem cells. Now there are people who wish to more widely implement it. I am arguing that stem cell research should be limited by the government because in many cases it is unethical and potentially dangerous. I will prove this by showing all of the ethical and moral standpoints, also the potential dangers with experimentation on humans.

In the year 1998, according to Courtney Farrell, when human stem cells were first successfully isolated the Clinton administration allowed federal funding of stem cell research. But that all changed in the 2000 presidential elections. In George W bush’s campaign he openly opposed embryonic stem cell research as he found it unethical, and many agreed with him. When he was elected as president he banned all federal funding of stem cell research, causing outrage in the science community (although, privately funded stem cell research remained legal after George Bush’s law was passed). Later on, bush did change his policy so that research could be federally funded, but only using already existing cell lines. This was a disappointment to both the science community and anti-stem cell groups because the existing cell lines were damaged and unreliable for the researchers and anti-stem cell groups feel that even cell lines that come from a destroyed embryo is a disgrace.

The controversial topic of stem cell research has been a controversial topic for a very long time. In 2001, George Bush severely restricted government-funded stem cell research. In 2009, Barack Obama allowed it. The order says that National Institutes of health can produce new procedures and policies in which the money can be used. On August 23, 2010, a federal judge issued an order blocking all research of stem-cells, including that allowed even when Bush was president. On July 27, 2011, Royce Lamberth, Chief judge of the federal court in Washington, D.C., said that stem cells could be used for life-threatening diseases. The Court of Appeals agreed with this, and the case was brought to a close (Stem cell policy).