Isabella Augustine
Hitt
English Composition 2
April 4, 2016
Debating the Policy of Embryonic Stem Cell Research A stem cell is an unspecialized type of cell that has the potential to differentiate itself indefinitely to perform specific cellular functions within the body. The two main sources of stem cells are embryonic stem cells and adult (somatic) cells. Adult stem cells derived from human tissue in different parts of the body: the brain, blood, blood vessels, bone marrow, skin, muscles or even the liver. However, adult stem cells are not able to give rise to all cell types in an organism which gives them less potential than embryonic cells. Embryonic cells are formed 4-5 days after fertilization during the pre-implantation phase in a
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Embryonic stem cells are drawn from the inner cell mass. Not only are stem cells unspecialized to a certain function, these cells can also participate in cell division in which they replicate and reproduce themselves. Stem cells are vital to human growth; they serve as a repair device for internal organs. Stem cells have been of increased interest for scientists in research and lab in the past decade. Stem cells have the potential to treat numerous diseases and health problems such as: cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, cell deficiencies, cell anemia, and many other types of immunodeficiencies. It seems as if stem cells are an ideal solution to discovering new scientific breakthroughs. However, there is a debate at large about the ethics of stem cell research. When stems cells are harvested, the embryo in which they inhabit is destroyed. There are both liberal and conservative views on the matter. Left government believes that the use of embryonic stem cells in research should progress, that an embryo is not a human. They believe that a few embryos can be sacrificed in order to find a cure for chronic diseases that …show more content…
Works Cited
Sivaraman, Mathana Amaris Fiona, and Siti Nurani Mohd Noor. "Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Ethical Views Of Buddhist, Hindu And Catholic Leaders In Malaysia." Science And Engineering Ethics 22.2 (2016): 467-485. MEDLINE. Web. 5 Apr. 2016.
Robertson, John A. "Embryo Stem Cell Research: Ten Years Of Controversy." The Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics: A Journal Of The American Society Of Law, Medicine & Ethics 38.2 (2010): 191-203. MEDLINE. Web. 5 Apr. 2016.
Siegel, Andrew. "Ethics of Stem Cell Research." Stanford University. Stanford University, 25 Apr. 2008. Web. 05 Apr. 2016.
Park, Alice. "George W. Bush and the Stem Cell Research Funding Ban." Time. Time, 20 Aug. 2012. Web. 05 Apr. 2016.
Edmonds, Ron. "Obama Ends Stem Cell Research Ban." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 9 Mar. 2009. Web. 05 Apr.