Stem Cell Ethical Issues

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Ethical Issues
There are ethical issues that have come to light with the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells. Some of these issues that have been raised include: privacy issues of donors, certain safety issues of patients, and the possibility that these cells could be used to develop gametes or misused for reproductive research. There is also the ethical concern regarding changes that may occur with collection of these cells and also the possibility of creating endless adult stem cell lines. “On the one hand, we have research of extraordinarily high potential, but on the other hand, we are manipulating human beings” (O’Mathunta, 2002, p. 197). In addition, donors may oppose their …show more content…

304). The potential of finding a cure for debilitating diseases and improving patients’ health, stimulating the growth of this industry, and the possibility of tax revenue are all economic benefits, but a quick return of economic benefits is unlikely. Stem cell research could actually increase health care costs due to the expense of technological and research developments while researchers search for a treatment or product that can safely cure these diseases (Caulfield, …show more content…

The Texas Medical Board approved extremely controversial guidelines in 2012 regarding the use of stem cell injections for research, which stated the approval of an institutional review board must first occur prior to treatment of a patient (Park, 2012). There are several other groups who are stakeholders in Texas formed to promote and support stem cell research which include: Texans for Stem Cell Research, The Stem Cell Center at Texas Heart Institute in Houston, and Texans for Advancement of Medical Research. These are some of the organizations working towards the clinical advancement of stem cell therapy and research in Texas (Texascures, n.d.). Other organizations in Texas dedicated to stem cell research are the Texas A&M University Mesenchymal Stem Cell Distribution and the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Scott & White Hospital. There have been several Texans for Stem Cell Research Symposiums held to highlight the most recent clinical trials being conducted with stem cells in Texas (Texans for Stem Cell Research, n.d.). The Stem Cell Center at The Texas Heart Institute in Houston was the first center in America to obtain approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for a human trial involving autologous adult stem cell injections to treats individuals with advanced heart failure (Texas Heart Institute, n.d.). Celltex Therapeutics, a company based in Houston, Texas,