Embryonic Stem Cell Research Argumentative Essay

As time passes, various viruses, superbugs, and genetic disorders continue to be born and gain strength; they must be stopped before any permanent damage is created for future generations. Only those that can adapt to a changing environment will survive the battle against deadly diseases. With high levels of fear, scientist have bagan to practice embryonic stem cell research in hope of developing a cure for several infections, diseases, or genetic disabilities. Embryonic stem cell research began about thirty years ago, and it involves the process of fertilizing an egg and allowing it to develop into roughly one-hundred and fifty cells. After the cells have had time to grow, they are manipulated or altered in hope of developing a cure for several

They show a glimpse of how the human body develops immunities or fights off diseases, while at the same time allowing scientist to recreate this process in a more efficient and beneficial way. The article “Medicine”, reminds everyone that, “Conversely, ESCs are “blank,” i.e., not yet developed to a stage where they will grow into specialized tissue” (1). It is difficult to manipulate cells that have already been assigned a certain task, but if they have not been assigned a particular job, they can be manipulate to create anything imaginable. Being able to manipulate cells pushes the medical world one step forward toward cures for diseases. Just like the article “Medicine”, there are multiple scientist that share a similar opinion about ESC research. Stephan R. Latham, the author of "Between public opinion and public policy: human embryonic stem-cell research and path-dependency", informs the public of the reasons for which embryonic stem cells are the ideal test subject: “These combined features of identity, reproducibility, and pluripotency give embryonic stem cells great utility in testing and comparing cellular responses to different drugs and biological materials” (1). For years, scientist have searched and worked on developing potential cures for fatal, incurable diseases, but they have never been successful. Today they have the ideal subject for

Latham illustrates the reason embryonic stem cell research became such a controversial subject: ESC research, “Generally involves the destruction of an early-stage human embryo” (1). People all over the world have different beliefs as to when life begins. There is a huge division in opinion; some believe life begins at conception while other believe life begins at birth. It does not matter what a person’s stance if on the subject because everyone must learn to look at the bigger picture; research saves lives. Scientist Melissa Abramovitz, the author of multiple scientific articles such as "The Controversy over Embryonic Stem Cells", informs everyone what happens to embryos in fertility clinics: “Once a successful pregnancy occurs, the parents may elect to leave any unused fertilized eggs in frozen storage, to dispose of them as medical waste, or to donate them for scientific research” (1). The only alternative embryos have to stem cell research is death. The clinics simply dispose of the embryos after they have served their purpose; Researchers, on the other hand, use it as an opportunity to find cures for diseases. There is a chance that they may die in the process, but through research they help save lives in the process. Abramovitz presents the opposing views: “Those opposed to using ESCs believe that, like abortion, destroying an embryo for any