Reflect back to the year 1984, to the tragic day former professional boxer Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In a blink of an eye, Ali’s career slipped through his fingertips. Unfortunately, many tragedies such as Ali’s occur everyday whether it is due to an accident or disease. I can relate to this issue along with others who may know someone who suffers from a life long disease such as Parkinson’s, paralysis, or diabetes. For quite some time these diseases have been seen as incurable but embryotic stem cells may hold the cure. With that said, many researchers in the medical field have become quite involved in the study of stem cells. A stem cell is an immature cell that has the potential to become specialized into …show more content…
Although this research could theoretically cure life long diseases, ethical concerns have been brought to the attention to many religions that are against embryonic stem cell research. As I took a closer look at the religion aspect, such as Catholicism and Christianity, the research of ESC is ostracized because the process involves the destruction of a human in its early stages of life. For many religions this study has been compared to abortions in that researchers are not giving the embryo the right to its life (Robertson). From my personal view as a catholic, I do believe that conception declares the start of a human life. Embryos are not just an assortment of cells that can be researched without limitations, they are a person and should be held with respect, and have the same rights as a born child or elder. Along with Christianity and Catholicism, Mormons trust it would be wrong to destroy the embryo no matter what the gestational age is (Dawson). However, I do not believe religions are gazing at the scientific prospective of embryotic stem cell research. Religions that are against ESC research oppose it because they believe scientists are harming healthy embryos but I do not consider that to be the case. There are cases in which an embryo does fail to develop whether it is from miscarriage, abortion, or infertility. Only in
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.
The transfer of information, often shared through scientific reports and research, puts this topic in a highly international spotlight. Many supporters believe that stem cells will be able to help solve once untreatable diseases or injuries such as spinal cord injuries, skin burns, Parkinson’s disease, and some blood disorders. However, the main argument is if stem cells should be used in finding therapeutic treatments. The use of embryonic stem cells is viewed by many as a moral inconsistency; it is opposed by religious organizations and individuals believing that this research should be abandoned and existing, alternative methods be adapted.
Eckman claims that instead of helping, stem cell research kills and destroys human life. However, at the stage that these embryos are at, they are not considered to be a human life. They are unable to survive on their own until they are implanted into the uterus so they are only considered to be a part of another human being. If we choose to use them for research opportunities we are not in any way harming them because they have no desires, thoughts, or emotions. These properties are all things that we associate with being a human so if these embryos do not have any of those, they are not considered to be humans yet. In fact, many fertilized eggs are lost because of natural causes with no further implications, so using embryos for research purposes should be looked at
Embryonic stem cell research is a controversial topic nationwide, because of its clash of ethical and moral values. Many people, including those suffering from diseases that this research is seeking to cure, do not believe in killing a living embryo in order to advance research and science.
“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
I must make clear that I disagree with embryonic stem cell research. There are of course other types of stem cell research including adult stem cell research and umbilical stem cell research. The notion of curing Alzheimer, Parkinson disease, and restoring the mobility of the paralyzed. My father is extremely ill with neurofibromatosis.. Two days ago, my father was admitted to the hospital due to fluid build-up around his lungs. The fluid build-up was likely due to a tumor formation somewhere in the pulmonary region. This will be one of many trips to the hospital my Dad will take this year. One trip to the hospital several years ago results in a surgery that left my Dad paralyzed from the waist down. The thought of my father being restored to a tower of vigorous health is enticing. Before writing this reply, I poured through several articles about stem cell research and
this research would be to identify the factors that are involved in the cell making process that determines cell specialization. A few of our extreme medical conditions, like birth defects and cancer, are a direct result of abnormal cell specialization. If researchers obtain a better understanding of the normal cellular process, they can isolate the causes of these deadly illnesses. The most exciting potential use for stem cells is the generation of tissues and cells. Many diseases are a direct result from complications of cellular functions or destruction of tissues in the body. Many people donate organs and tissues to replace failing or destroyed tissues. Unfortunately, there are many more people suffering from these disorders than there are organs to transplant. That is where stem cells step in. They will give humans a chance to have a renewable source of cells and tissues that will treat a slue of diseases, and disabilities such as, Parkinson’s, stroke, burns, Alzheimer’s, spinal cord injury, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and
Unfortunately, embryonic stem cell research involves extracting stem cells from embryos, thus killing them in the process. According to Stanford.edu, “Opponents of HESC [Human Embryonic Stem Cell] research argue that the research is morally impermissible because it involves the unjust killing of innocent human beings.” Yes, these embryos are dying from the extraction of their stem cells, but the fact of whether or not this is killing innocent human beings solely depends on point of view. If you consider a five-day old embryo to be a human being, then perhaps you would consider this to be wrong, but you believe otherwise, then maybe you would agree with the sacrificing of these embryos for beneficial research. This is how embryonic stem cell research has been very controversial in prior years and even
One of the non-supporting stakeholders are the Catholic church. Along with the catholic church Pope John Paul the 2 does not support this research because he believes that by" kill an embryonic it taking a life and that it should not be done from we do not get to choose who dies …... Embryonic stem cells are obtained from prenatal at a point very early in development. Obtaining these cells typically results in the destruction of the prenatal. The direct and voluntary killing of a prenatal is always a serious sin against God because prenatal life is developing human life." the catholic church says “Experience is already showing how a tragic coarsening of consciences accompanies the assault on innocent human life in the womb, leading to accommodation and acquiescence in the face of other related evils, such as euthanasia, infanticide, and most recently, proposals for the creation for research purposes of human embryos, destined to destruction in the process. A free and virtuous society, which America aspires to be, must reject practices that devalue and violate human life at any stage from conception until natural death." one of the people in the catholic church said this about their thoughts on this research” to humanity begins with respect for each human life. Because life is our first and most basic gift from an infinitely loving God, it deserves our utmost respect and protection.
Will embryonic stem cells prove to be equally disappointing as many hoped for cures in modern history? No one knows. However, a tragic occurrence following one particular fetal tissue transplant for Parkinson's disease, when such was thought to be a cure, should give us pause. Some of the tissue placed in this man's brain may have been from an earlier gestational age than is customary in American clinical trials - that is, it may have been more embryonic than fetal in nature. Within two years after the transplant this man died mysteriously - and an autopsy revealed that masses of "nonneural tissue" such as skin and hair had filled the ventricles of his brain and cut off his breathing. Researchers theorized that this tissue may have
Embryonic Stem Cell Research (ESCR) and In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has been under fire for quite some time and has be questioned by religious, scientific, and political leaders as to what is right or wrong and what is for or against mankind and their beliefs as scientist and religious followers (Lawton, 2001). I read from different several religious views on the subject Christians, Lutherans, and Judaism, are just a few that hold a strong disbelief and are not for stem cell research for they believe that life begins at conception, and a human has begun (Lyon, 2006). The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Southern Baptist Convention are also opposed, for the same reason. Human embryos, says the SBC, are the tiniest of human beings. They believe that it is “immoral,
Scientists and researchers believe that Human Embryonic Stem Cells hold potential cures for numerous diseases in today's society, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, Lou Gehrig's disease, Hodgkin's disease, hundreds of immune system and genetic disorders, spinal cord injuries, heart disease and just about every type of cancer. In today's world there's over a million Americans who suffer from deadly diseases, not only adults but innocent children that deserve to live a healthy life. These deadly diseases can be cured or treated in a more effective way than they are treated now with the help of the human embryonic stem cells. According to the Poll on "American views on stem cell research in the wake of the death of Ronald Reagan" which was prepared for results of America, shows that a sum of 73% highly supports and somewhat support this controversial process (Results of America, 2004). Even though this topic has brought continuous political attacks and very limited funding, Human Embryonic Stem cell research has made considerable contribution to the battle against disabilities and incurable diseases. A great example of success by using human embryonic stem cells was made by Dr. Hans Keirstead in the Roman Laboratory at UC Irvine; he restored myelin insulation around damaged nerves, returning motion to partially paralyzed rats. (Journal of Neuroscience, 2005) .
Despite the stigma surrounding embryonic stem cell research, there are many positives that outweigh the negatives in medical and scientific settings. Due to the knowledge of this, continued funding and support is critical for the advancement of these therapies and science as a whole. Diseases that can be aided by unabating financial and moral support are but not limited to, spinal cord injury, heart disease, parkinson 's disease, alzheimer 's and Lou Gehrig 's disease, more commonly known as ALS. Funding via the government was passed into law in 2008 by President Barack Obama. As the election comes upon us it is important to keep in mind that the continued federal funding for embryonic is at stake.
Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Alzheimer’s. This world is plague by countless diseases and there existed a time where, after many failed research attempts, scientists began to believe that people would always suffer from these diseases. However, with the introduction of stem cell research those past notions were dismissed. Upon their introduction, stem cell’s provided a new hope to the world and it proved itself to be an invaluable asset. Through stem cell research, a multitude of cures have been brought upon the world and these diseases that were uncontrollable in the past, can now be regulated and the ones suffering from now have a chance at living a better life. Sadly, there are many people who
In tissues like bone and muscle stem cells can make replacements for muscle and tissue that are lost from disease or tear. There are three main types of stem cells embryonic stem cells adult stem cells and induced induced-pluripotent stem cells. Adult stem cells can usually develop into the same type of tissue that they are in. Stem cells are cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods of time. Stem cells have the potential to save many of lives from diseases birth defects and many more things.