1.0 Introduction
This report aims to investigate the different views held on the pros and cons of development in stem cell research. This report will provide background to the debate, its social significance, parties that are involved and analysis of the arguments related to the topic researched.
2.0 The Issue and background to the debate
Those who favour stem cell research are optimistic about the continued developments in stem cell research will open doors to many breakthrough discoveries in biomedical science. The scientific and ethical questions arise as rapidly as the reaching of milestones in stem cell research. There are two main types of stem cells, namely embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are
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Although the debates of stem cell seem endless, we should not overstate the pros and cons of stem cell research.
4.0 The participants in the debate
The participants in the debate including researchers, political candidates, lawmakers, health care provider, religious organizations, and other members of the public (The Witherspoon Council, 2012).
5.0 The differing views
5.1 Stem cell research contributes to the development of regenerative medicine and life extension science.
There are many who are of opinion that stem cell research can potentially help in inventing new therapies for many uncured diseases and reversing the aging process. 5.1.1 Inventing cell-based treatments
Supporters of this argument assert that stem cell research can lead to discovering of many advanced cell-based treatments and have many medical applications. Stem cells can be cultured and transplanted into damaged body part for the regeneration of healthy tissue (Stöppler, 2014). Based on the some of the successful outcomes of the research, hematopoietic stem cell transplants (commonly known as a bone marrow transplant) are currently be used to treat patients with blood disorders and some solid tumours (Stem Cell Network, 2013). Hence, it is believed that, more life-saving treatments will be inventing in the near future with the
Embryonic stem cell research is a highly debated and sensitive topic. There is a lot of good that can come from researching this technology of stem cell research because many people all across the globe would benefit from it. The United States will soon fall short while other countries are already using this advancement if we cannot come to a logical conclusion on this vital issue.
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
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 the past two decades, many technological and scientific advances have been made in order to make life easier for many people who suffer from cancer, disease and sickness. Among these advances there is something revolutionary called stem cells. Stem cells can help restore and regenerate almost all parts of the human body such as the heart, kidney, liver, and many other organs. Although stem cells offer a lot, there are many views against and for stem cells, and among these views lies the debate of whether stem cells should be legalized or not (NIH 2). Stem cells offer exciting new opportunities in the field of science such as regenerating human body parts, but many people are still debating whether or not the use of stem cells is
Embryonic stem cell research and use is a scientific advancement that could change medical history. There are two types of stem cell research, adult stem cells, and embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells receive a very negative connotation in society, and there are many misconceptions about the process and the ethics of embryonic stem cell research. A large majority of society immediately assume that it is the use of aborted embryos because of the word embryonic, and adult stem cells are not as effective as embryonic. However, this is not the case. Embryonic stem cell research is in progress to help cure and reduce the effects of very fatal and harmful diseases that take many of societies precious lives. If research continues to
The groundbreaking scientific research underway happening this century is revolving around the field of regenerative medicine, specifically stem cell research. To begin to discuss whether or not stem cell research should be scientifically funded we must understand what stem cells are. According to Jordan Saltzberg, author of “The Current Embryonic Stem Cell Research Federal Funding Policy,” embryonic stem cells have the possibility to reproduce and continue to grow and also form any type of specialized cell unlike adult stem cells (2). Since the embryonic stem cells (hESCs) can form any specialized cell they are more valuable than adult stem cells (hASCs). Saltzberg has also stated, stem cells are present throughout a person 's life but are first found in the embryo (2). This shows that one day we may be able to use human adult stem cells instead of embryonic stem cells. Human embryonic stem cells are, for now, the most promising subfield of regenerative medicine. Stem cell research is debated by many different groups, for example the church, government, and everyday people. The majority of religions along with all of their followers believe the research to be unethical, whereas the government and scientific community think that it is vital for new scientific discoveries. Despite the
Embryonic stem cells have the ability to save countless of lives and not just in the United States but throughout the whole world. There are many unlimited capabilities to generate better health to the human body with the studies of embryonic stem cells. It can really make a difference in the world of medicine with astonishing breakthroughs. Embryonic stem cell research is ethical and should be acceptable in society rather than wasted aside, because it can cure diseases, save lives, and can extend the human life span. There are limited of acknowledgment for embryonic stem cells, and yet they hold the key to a promising future.
A brief introduction to stem cells; Stem cells are cells that are undifferentiated, or, simply put, a cell that has not yet been given a job, such as cells that create molecules. In recent years, scientists have discovered the potency that stem cells contain, due to their versatility. For example, stem cells could be studied and used to cure a man of liver disease, a child’s handicap, a woman’s breast cancer, etc…, etc…. One may now be asking themselves? “That’s great… then why are so many people against stem cell research? What could possibly be the drawback? “. You see, stem cells are acquired by human embryos, or, in Layman’s Terms, unborn fetuses. Take for
There are many benefits of supporting stem cell research, and these benefits include saving the lives of people with critical diseases; “Stem cells are also helpful in potentially treating problems like repair or replace damaged organs, birth defects, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and Alzheimer’s disease. If people get good treatment of such diseases, it will be beneficial for them as well as the society” (Joseph). This quote demonstrates many of the illnesses that stem cells can cure with the proper research. Many argue that stem cell research is unethical, however the possible outcomes say otherwise. Furthermore, these cells can also undergo the reproduction of more life saving cells on their own; “It is possible to grow embryonic stem cells for a year at the least in a few cases, particularly when well determined protocols are employed.
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.
“Now science has presented us with a hope called stem cell research, which may provide our scientists with many answers that have for so long been beyond our grasp.” (Nancy Reagan). Most cells within our bodies perform one specialized task. Contrary to these single job cells are stem cells. These cells are unspecialized and can morph and perform any task that is needed within the body. However, the way that stem cells are harvested has caused a lot of controversy. The way that the stem cells are taken destroys the embryo. We should support the recent decision to allow embryonic stem-cell research in the United States and federally fund the work to use these stem cells to cure diseases. Better stem cell research would provide safer procedures and medical practices for everyone.
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.
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
There are many good things that could occur from embryonic stem cell research, including numerous areas of scientific potential. Over 100 million americans suffer from stem cell related diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, cancer, etc., and a breakthrough in stem cell research could find causes and solutions of the problem