Stem Cell Research Ethical Issues

Stem cell research raises several ethical concerns or questions, but it serves good purposes as well. Possibly the good outweighs the bad. Moreover, PR symptomatic genetic testing serves good purposes and goes hand in hand with stem cell research. Biotechnology is advancing and will continue to advance in the 21st century. Overall, in spite of any opposition stem cell research and genetic testing will continue to advance. According to Idziak, “This new knowledge about the make-up and functioning of the chemical building blocks of human life will give rise to insights into the causes and pathways of numerous diseases that inflict untold suffering upon humanity, in turn making possible opportunities for more effective diagnosis,

It is said that society and the government does not support stem cell research. Of course, there are people who support stem cell research and people who are against it. The reasons are not clear, but this is an issue that should be reconsidered. Moreover, it is also said that there are no laws in place in the United States prohibiting the use of embryonic stem cell research. Embryonic stem cell research is the main cause for concern because embryos are used in the process. Embryos are a source, “using embryos left over from IVF treatments have reservations about cloning for stem cell research because of its exploitative impact on women who have to donate the ova to be used in the procedure” (p. 240). Women are an important part of the process, and it is believed that poor women will be affected the most. Ending the life of embryos and exploiting women raise ethical concerns for society. Idziak stated, “What is ethically controversial, in terms of the current practice of stem cell research, is embryonic stem cell research and therapeutic cloning. Obtaining cells from embryos involves the destruction of early-stage embryos” (p. 236). Although the sources are a concern,

However, at the time genetic testing is very expensive, and it must be approved by a physician before it’s approved by any healthcare insurance. Interestingly, genetic testing can determine important genetic information. I think it is important to have the availability of genetic testing because genetic diseases are real-life issues. People can inherit genetic diseases from their parents that will complicate, and change their lives’ forever. According to Idziak, “genetic test can provide more accurate information about the subject’s future health status only in the case of certain relatively simple single gene disorders” (p. 266). Various diseases can be detected early in life, which is great because people can determine appropriate attention. For example, my friend Stephanie from elementary died a couple months ago from a disease called Moyamoya. I had never even heard about it, but she was a carrier of it and wasn’t even aware of it. Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain. This disease is common in women. My friend Stephanie experienced what seemed to be similar to a stroke, but after revealing testing she was diagnosed with Moyamoya. It is not treatable if not detected early on, she could have had surgeries to prevent it, but she was not aware of the disease. Now she has left behind three children who