Stem Cells And Its Effects On Society

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.

One of the biggest problems that biomedical scientists struggle with today is finding a cure to cancer. Thousands of scientists across the world devote their time and resources to solving this puzzle and saving thousands of lives. Over the last few decades, technology and medicine has advanced significantly increasing the life expectancy of the average human life. However, further steps need to be taken to achieve what doctors and scientists have set out to accomplish. In order to do this, many believe that embryonic stem cell research could be the key to unlocking a variety of medical problems. However, in the early 2000’s, the United States saw a significant decrease in federal funding available for this research. This could set back the medical advances by years if researchers could not continue their work. A decrease in restrictions while increasing federal funding for embryonic stem cell research is vital for taking steps forward in ethically finding cures for many injuries and diseases that affect millions of people every day.

The process when stem cells give rise to blood cells, or any other specialized cells, is called differentiation (“Stem Cell Basics”). Stem Cells’ ability of differentiation can be targeted and directed to generate tissue and therefore to cure degenerative diseases (Panno 24-28). However, such medical promise faces the doubts and gives rise to disputes. In fact, federal funds for stem cell research were banned under President Bush’s administration, but the ban was then lifted by President Obama’s administration (Obama). Despite the different arguments, more medical trials should be conducted with embryonic stem cells in order to determine whether the medical promise is applicable or far-fetched.

Stem cells make up every organ and tissue that reside inside the human body. These cells help to regenerate and replace defective tissues and cells that are injured and destroyed within our body everyday. Former President, George W. Bush, felt so strongly opposed to the development of this research that he cast the first veto of his presidency when Congress tried to broaden the scope of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. In this veto he stated that, “This bill crosses a moral line that I and others find troubling.” (1)

Catholics are absolutely against embryonic stem cell research. News is already talking about how the Catholics approve for stem cell research but inside of an interview with Catholic News Service Nancy O’Brien wrote: “Declaring that the stem-cell research does not present a conflict between science and religion, the U.S bishops overwhelmingly approved a statement June 13th calling the use of human embryos in such research “gravely immoral” and unnecessary” (O’Brien “Catholic News Service”). As you can see from that message, Catholics are all for the stem cell research however they hate the fact that embryos are involved and are even working up to get that taken care of. This research is honestly going against everything that Catholics believe in. Multiple times inside of this document that was submitted and approved was multiple statements of immoral judgements. One quote inside of this document that really stood out is, “The issue of stem-cell research does not force us to choose between science and ethics, much less between science and religion” (O’Brien “Catholic News Service”). This quote really hit the spot on this view because it has a good point, science and religion are starting to seriously get some tension between them. The more we become technology oriented and the more we find out different ways to do stuff then the more we are going to step on someone’s toes. This quote really hit that by saying that ethics and science don’t go as much together as science and

Many people in the around the world have first or second hand encounters with deadly diseases that can lead the person who is afflicted to a lifestyle of medication and therapy. Scientists today have the potential to find cures for these diseases with stem cell research. Stem cells have the potential on making cures for these people. Stem cell research is hindered by the opposing side’s belief that stem cell research is murder since they believe that life begins at conception. Stem cells according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, “Cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods in culture and to give rise to specialized cells”. These cells have the ability to become any cell that an ill person requires in order to become better. Reasons why stem cells are not used frequently is that they are still in the infancy stage of research and politics restrict the progress of stem cell research. There are two types of stem cells that are researched but the type that has the most attention are embryotic stem cells. These cells are only acquired from embryos that have been given up for research when they are no longer needed for in vitro fertilization.

The use of embryonic stem cells to treat human diseases; is it unethical, questionable, helpful, in violation of law and policy or just the right answer for many, many diseases? All of these are great questions and are all questions that everyone and everybody has an opinion on at one time or another. To first really understand the controversy surrounding stem cell research you must know a little about its base; embryonic stem cells, “they are cells harvested or collected from the very early stages of a fertilized egg, which contains about eight cells per egg (1).” Are we killing innocent children or are we allowing others the possible chance to live. Many think that harvesting

According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, ethical is defined as “pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality.” Whereas, unethical is defined as “lacking moral principles or unwilling to adhere to proper rules of conduct” (Dictionary). The topic of ethicality is often hotly debated in all aspects of society. As medicine and science begin to rapidly advance each day, the use of stem cells, in regards to research, is becoming extraordinarily prevalent. I believe that the use of stem cells is unethical to a certain extent.

“Adult stem cells may not be able to be manipulated to produce all cell types, which limits how adult stem cells can be used to treat diseases. Adult stem cells are also more likely to contain abnormalities due to environmental hazards, such as toxins, or from errors acquired by the cells during replication” (Mayo Clinic). Because of their extensive variety of uses and ability for manipulation, the embryonic stem cells from embryos are the most treasured stem cells in the research field. “These are pluripotent stem cells, meaning they can divide into more stem cells or can become any type of cell in the body. This versatility allows embryonic stem cells to be used to regenerate or repair diseased tissue and organs […]” (Mayo Clinic). Although stem cells are a marvelous discovery in the scientific world, a lot of question has surfaced due to the fact that stem cells must be taken so early on in the developmental stage of the embryo, and how they are taken. “The embryos being used in embryonic stem cell research come from eggs that were fertilized at in vitro fertilization clinics but never implanted in a woman's uterus. The stem cells are donated with informed consent from donors. The stem cells can live and grow in special solutions in test tubes or petri dishes in laboratories” (Mayo

Stem cell research, a controversial scientific and medical topic that puts the phrase “the ends justifies the means” to the test. Although life saving and revolutionary in the medical field, disputes about how moral it is surrounds the practice and research. Why it’s controversial comes from how stem cells are retrieved. There are different types of stem cell research but the most controversial is the gathering the needed cells from embryos and fetuses. The embryos and fetuses often come from abortions which is another very controversial topic in the US. Stem cell research has been surrounded with questions and debates that has lasted ever since it has come to society’s knowledge. With both sides of the government adding

Stem cell is the new frontier of medical break down posing great significance of ethical dilemma for humanity. Embryonic stem cells hold potential in our modern day society to bring a difference in many lives. However, is humanity supporting destruction of embryos or are we being part of scientific experiment that break ethical rules? Furthermore, stem cell research evolves around pluripotent cells present in all living organisms, these specific cells are fertilized and kept for research on curing different diseases and cancers possibly. These cells are differentiate into any type of cell from blood cells, nerves, cardiac muscle and pancreatic islet cells and many more. Additionally, stem cells are capable of curing diseases, cancer and have

The history of stem cells have been filled with debate and controversy. In the early 1800s scientists discovered that a stem cell was the basic building blocks of life, and these cells have the ability to produce other types of cells. As the years went on scientists learned where and how to obtain stem cells in order for them to research on the possible abilities of these cells. The most recent years have brought up national debate among the public and as well as religious groups. Many laws and procedures have been taken to regulate stem cell harvesting, development, and treatment for research purposes. Stem cell research has now progressed

Stem cell research has always been a very stirring, yet controversial topic. Ever since its discovery in 1981, scientists have been showng exponential growth in understanding the stem cells true capability. There are numerous reasons as to why this research is just now being funded, as many have denied its requirements. However, it has also shown advancements in the biomedical field and hope of one day curing many well known diseases.

First, in order to distinguish between the potential, as well as the consequences of stem cell research, one must understand the crucial components to

The different viewpoints that people have on Stem cell research has lead to many arguments that have been going on for years. While many people believe stem cell research as morally wrong and crime against humanity others view as the next step to the future and modern science. I personally think that stem cell research should be allowed because it promises cures to diseases that kill millions of people a year. Many people will benefit from the research including people with cancer, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, paralysis, and many other conditions. I believe that Stem cell research will lead to many breakthroughs in the area of