Stem Cell Research Pros And Cons

Stem cell research is a topic most people have viewpoints on, and the controversy is inexorable. Why has the two decade old subject matter recently made a ferocious return in politics and debates worldwide? Recently, former president, Barack Obama discontinued George Bush’s vote to allow taxpayer money to fund stem cell research. However, federal funds are still allowed to fund this research (Rosalyn). Stem cell research was first developed in 1970 and since then has erupted worldwide. In the late 90’s two scientists by the names of James A. Thompson and John D. Gearheart claimed that they had found a way to isolate stem cells. This finding was widely recognized and companies started funding this new and expensive research (Rosalyn). Beginning

Embryonic stem cells are easy to divide and make reproduce. This being the case, they can be cultured and sustain life for months without specializing into any type of tissue which allows the cells to be frozen and shipped to and from various labs (Zneimer). This allows labs to be able to share in the research. Since embryonic stem cells are so controversial, scientists have made it an effort to look for use in the other types of stem cells. Alternative stem cells such as somatic cells and induced stem cells have been developed and scientists look to use these instead (Zneimer). One major con of stem cells is that stem cell research has not been entirely proven (Zneimer). Despite this issue, it is hopeful that this could be the answer to many fatal diseases. One example of successful use of stem cells is in a 16 year old boy with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (“Stem Cell Success Stories”). Spinal Muscular Atrophy is a disease in which the person is missing a gene which is responsible for the production of the protein for motor neurons. Before the treatment, this patient could not open his fist, could not roll over on his side by himself, and all of his muscles were very weak. The adult stem cells he received were taken from cord blood. After the therapy, he could open his fist and stretch his fingers, roll from his back to his side by himself, carry more weight than ever, had considerably more strength in his muscles, and performed daily tasks such as writing and eating more easily (“Stem Cell Success Stories”). Other successful treatments include restoring sight, curing diabetes, improving multiple sclerosis, helping Parkinsons, and much more. Even though stem cell research has many pros and cons, it continues to grow in popularity and