Stem Cell Research Interview

Stem cells are basically the building blocks of life. Some type of these cells can be engineered into any type of cell in the human body. There are three types of stem cells currently. Adult or somatic stem “cells can generate replacements for bone and muscle cells that are lost through injury, disease or normal wear and tear.” Another type of stem cells are embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells “are “starter cells” that can be coaxed into becoming any of the specialized cells of the body, meaning they are “pluripotent.” The final type of stem cells are induced-pluripotent stem cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells “are adult stem cells that have been genetically altered to behave like embryonic stem cells”(National Institute of Health). Due to the advancement in medical technology scientists and doctors alike are now able to use stem cells for a variety of reasons like research and also in patient care. The benefits of this research can lead to the cure of diseases like diabetes, some cancers, and even neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s Disease and spinal cord injuries. The controversy behind stem cells lie from where these stem cells come from. The source of stem cells are plentiful. Some stem cells can come from human embryos that are a few days old. Stem cells can also be engineered in a laboratory setting using the cells from human embryos. Also there are certain stem cells that can be harvested from adults and

The studying of stem cells is a very controversial issue that has been around since 1998 when the research of the use of embryonic stem cell treatment began. The main issues surrounding the discussion of treating people with life-altering disabilities through the use of these pluripotent cells is the ethicality of the matter and whether or not it is a savage act against a fetus. Many who oppose the use of these stem cells derived from excess embryos use the formerly stated opinion to support their argument, while those who are pro research argue that the destroying of one life could save another. The core complications that arise in studying stem cells lies in many Christian-like ethics and morals, otherwise called Christian bioethics. These are rooted in the modern day controversies arising due to advancements made in biology and medicine, mixed with religious views that argue against it. The conflicting interests of the polar opposites which are scientists and those with religious views have caused many complications along the way to discovering new treatments and cures for diseased cells. This bumpy road which has refrained scientists from making tremendous breakthroughs must smooth itself out, and the only way possible is through coming to an agreement that certain stem cell research should be practiced, such as the IPSC and adult stem cells, and others like the

"Human beings are not disposable biological material." (Saunders 1). You get where I’m going with this, right? William Saunders, a catholic Priest, debates his viewpoint on Stem Cell Research, calling it unethical, and those who do it, killers. Saunders argues

The members of the Catholic Church and many Catholics, oppose the use of embryonic stem cells because it means destroying an innocent human being at any stage in its life. Although they do not oppose the research as a whole, they believe this can further humankind and can save millions of lives. The Catholic Church does encourage scientists and other researchers to continue their experimentations with the use of other sources of stem cells, like adult stem cells, for example.

In order to understand arguments against the use of stem cell technology in the United States, it is crucial to understand the sociopolitical background of its constituents. America is well known for having a varied and diverse ethnic background composing of immigrants from around the world, but in 2012, 73% of Americans claimed Christian affiliation (3). This overwhelming majority of Christianity means that its accompanying religious beliefs emerge in many aspects of our sociopolitical ideology. Much of the opposition to stem cell technology is grounded in the Christian tenet of anti-abortion, which is the source of embryonic stem cells. Although embryonic stem cells are still the gold standard in research and therapeutic use, use of non-embryonic stem cells such as induced pluripotent stem cells is rapidly increasing and does not require

You are a very straight shooter and I appreciate the fact that you took time out of your day to share in your experience and to talk. Your level of engagement in our conversation was both enlightening and candid. If given the opportunity, I hope that I can use my experience to contribute to your organization.

This article discusses the successful use of experimental stem cell treatments within a variety of clinical trials, discussing the two main types of stem cells, embryonic and adult. The article draws on research published by the Massachusetts Family Institute, "a pro-life group that is opposed to the use of embryonic stem cells" to illustrate the successful use of adult stem cells to reverse the effects of, or cure entirely, a number of severe diseases such as Crohn's disease and lupus. It also references a report by Medical Use Today which highlights encouraging experiments with embryonic stem cells that appear capable of reversing paralysis caused by spinal injuries. Written for religious audience tolerant of scientific advancements, the article focuses almost entirely on the positive aspects of experimental stem cell research, and cites studies that support its preconceptions on the subject. The author, a former "instrument development and computer science professional," possesses a scientific background which informs the construction of the article's overall argument. I found this article by searching the Ontartio Consultants on Religious Tolerance essay database, found at ReligiousTolerance.org.

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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).

Why do religious communities oppose stem cell research and the use of stem cells to help cure human disease and illness? The use of stem cells for medical use have caused many debates and opinions to form in the different religious communities over the years. The main point that the religious communities debate on and that causes the most conflict with stem cells is when does life begin. Does life begin at conception, when the heart starts to beat, or at birth, and is the use of stem cells considered abortion or more seriously murder? Other main points that are debated over is how extra embryos are disposed of and how the embryos are treated during stem cell research. Finally, is there a way in which stem cells could be researched and used to help cure human disease and illness and the religious communities not be opposed to it? If the research does not involve the destruction or killing of an embryo, Christians should approve of stem cell research and use.

Stem cell research is currently being conducted in numerous countries around the world. There are two main types of stem cells currently in use for research, adult and embryonic. This report will discuss the theological aspects of embryonic stem cell research in the United States. As the name implies an embryonic stem cell is harvested from a human embryo. Embryonic stem cells are obtained in two separate ways. One way is to use discarded embryos from in vitro fertilization, where fertilized eggs are donated for research. The second way is when embryos are created specifically for stem cell research. As a Christian it is my view that obtaining stem cells for research from discarded embryos should be encouraged and continue, whereas

It has been I long time scenes we have spoking I Hope all is well. The other day I was reading this articles on stem cell research and embryonic stem cell research, Stem cell and embryonic stem cell research has all ready stared to help many people out like Katie Sharify in 2010 she had been in a car crash that damaged her spine, leaving her with no sensation from the chest down. Days after she learned that she would never walk again. So Her medical team provided a crash course in stem cell therapy to help Katie think things through. In this case the team had taken stem cells obtained from a five-day old embryo and converted them into cells that support communication between the brain and body. Those cells would be transplanted into the injured

Some say that it should not be considered a life because they “lack physical and psychological properties that human beings have…” (Finey) When the embryo is harvested, the central nervous system has not yet developed which means the embryo has not developed into a fetus. Advocates for ESC research posit that the eggs will be discarded anyways and using them for research puts them to good use. In July 2000 Pope John Paul II declared embryonic stem cell research and cloning among the “evils of Western culture”.

The society has evolved over the decades. Medical advances, greater technologies, better understanding of the world around us, the sky is the limit! The progression of a society is astounding from where it was just twenty years ago. One is able to do things that the forefathers would have never dreamed! Science has discovered ways to travel to the moon and back, reach some of the deepest depths of the oceans and discover new species, and drive hybrid cars. The achievements of today’s society have reached a new high; however, with great achievement comes great questions of ethics.

More than one ethical position on stem cell research could be called "religious"; and as a Christian, could ethically support stem cell research because of its potential for relieving human suffering and enhancing human health and well-being. There is more than one way to be moral, more than one way to translate one's faith commitments into public policy. (185)