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Stem Cell Research Pros And Cons

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The Controversy of Stem Cell Research The research and harvesting of stem cells is often criticized due to the creation, usage and destruction of human embryos (Muchangi, 2014). In the 1960s, research from scientists Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till grew into the first findings of stem cells (Canada Science and Technology Museum, 2014). It was not until 1981 that Martin Evans officially discovered embryonic stem cells while experimenting with mice (Cardiff University, 2014). The controversy of stem cells originates from where they are obtained, human embryos. The idea of killing human embryos sparked the global debate on when human life begins. In 2001, President Bush limited federal funding of stem cell research, deeming it unethical …show more content…

Although the field of stem cell research has the potential to treat many diseases, it is relatively new and most treatments are still in the experimental phase. The first successful stem cell treatment was performed in 1968 when a patient received a bone marrow transplant (Moore, 2014). Bone marrow contains somatic stem cells that can produce all cell types found in blood cells. Bone marrow transplants have become routine, treating a variety of disorders such as blood cancers and immune disorders. The problem facing bone marrow transplants is the risk of rejection by the new host body. Another source of stem cells is from umbilical cords, a by-product of the birth process (Euro Stem Cell, 2012). The blood inside of umbilical cords has a high concentration of stem cells and has a low chance of rejection by the new host body, making them a potent resource for transplant therapies. Amniotic fluid is another by-product of the birth process. In just a few years, the fluid can be used to regenerate any body part of a fetus, while it is still in the womb. Doctors initially told a teen, paralyzed from the neck down, that she would never walk again. The teen underwent surgery, removing the stem cells from the back of her nose and transplanting the cells into the injury site of the spinal cord (Clark, 2014). The stem cells continue to differentiate into bone cells, allowing her to feel down to her abdomen, gaining more sensation each day. Stem cell research has allowed the paraplegic teen to feel most parts of her body, giving her a life she could only dream of. A university in London, England has teamed up with a hospital in an attempt to cure Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) through the use of stem cells (California’s Stem Cell Agency, 2014). AMD is a disease associated with aging that destroys sharp and central vision, occurring in more than 25%

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For example, Alzheimer’s disease is a disease that is caused by brain cell death. Alzheimer’s does not have a cure, and the only treatment for it is medication that will slow the death of cells. However, if embryonic stem cells were used, they could replace and, theoretically, stop the death of brain cells, which would in turn, halt the disease. So overall, this treatment could dramatically benefit patients struggling through diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and diabetes. Furthermore, the increase of quality of life for these living people is more than worth the possible destruction of a cluster of

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On the day January 30, 1882, a young boy was born who would live on to become the 32nd president of the United States. Franklin D. Roosevelt has had numerous actions in his life, the most important were his World War II accomplishments, his actions while he was president, and his help in the great depression. Franklin Roosevelt was elected as president in 1932. His most illustrious competitor was Herbert Hoover, the 31st president. Hoover left his presidency and his country in an economic slump also known as the Great Depression.

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However, these results came at a price. Human embryos were destroyed. The ensuing controversy rapidly escalated, with religious and political institutions arguing over the moral/ethical integrity of stem cell research. The controversy over embryonic stem cell research began in the 1970’s with the beginning of IVF.

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Therefore, it is a problem that will arise since there will be conflicts between people as a result of differing opinions. Certain religions consider it to be immoral. From the point of view of a Christian they have concluded that the status of an embryo is similar to that of a human because it will become one and thus they should be treated with respect thinking of the human it will become. The main concern for religious groups as such from all religions is that through this they are “playing god”. They believe that messing with Gods will is erroneous and this will cause problems to arise between different groups who oppose the opinion therefore stem cell transplants are better off avoided and only tested in the laboratories but not performed on humans.

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Collecting stem cells from this source doesn’t harm the mother or baby (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). It is actually beneficial to them because the stem cells will be compatible with the baby if it is ever in need of stem cells (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). The stem cells also have potential to be compatible with the baby ’s kin (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?).

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The worst part about this method is that the baby will not survive the steps taken to harvest the stem cells. The babies used for this research will never get to experience the joys of life. Just think, a baby used for stem cell research could have become the next President of the United States, but it was never given a chance. The possibilities are endless, but nobody will ever know what the future holds for these children unless embryonic stem cell research is stopped.

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Tara Sander Lee is a pathology professor and Kathleen M. Schmainda is a radiology professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Neither of these authors have professional experience with stem cells, which can be seen by looking at their statements. The first misleading statement in this article says, "Alternative sources are available for research and transplantation without ethical concerns or legal restrictions. They include tissue from surgery, tumor biopsies, human umbilical cords, blood and placenta.

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These new neurons could be injected into the suffering patients and substantially aid in treating Parkinson’s disease (“Parkinson's Disease: How Could Stem Cells Help?”). According to the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas, “An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease.” Imagine the significant effect that embryonic stem cells could have on the lives of those suffering from this degenerative nervous

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High profile advocate of embryonic stem cell transplants, actor Michael J. Fox who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system. Fox has participated in congressional subcommittees urging the research continue not only for the progression in finding a cure for Parkinson’s but cures for all diseases and cancers that could benefit from something like embryonic stem cell

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Today, our technology is advancing at an ever increasing rate. Science and medicine are making breakthroughs that improve everyone’s quality of life. Life saving medicine, previously limited to the realm of science fiction, is within our grasp. And part of that future is due in part to the amazing research being done with stem cells. However, there are laws in place that prevent scientists from getting as much use as possible from cells derived from embryos, which is the most abundant source.

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“The noblest pleasure is the joy of understanding.” - Leonardo Da Vinci. Da Vinci never stopped his quest to understand the makings of the world and attempting to improving upon them. Many refer to him as The Renaissance Man which, as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means: “A person who has wide interests and is expert in several areas.” Da Vinci was the epitome of this term having had great contributions the many areas including: anatomy, art, architecture, botany, mathematics, natural history, ornithology, optics and to where he made the largest and most impacting contributions: aerodynamics and engineering. Leonardo Da Vinci was a true Renaissance Man due to his expertise in a plethora of subjects.

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Globally, scientists are turning to stem cell research as the most promising step to curing many of the harshest diseases and conditions including cancer, Alzheimer’s, stroke, paralysis and many more. Stem cells are useable as a replacement for damaged cells because of their self renewing properties. Their form allows them to act as other types of cells and regenerate as a substitute for the affected cells or as a way of testing new medications. Stroke related disabilities alone account for more than 1.2 million people and millions more are impacted by other cell related disabilities making stem cell research an essential pursuit in order to make strides in medicine (Cunningham 368).

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This basis came from the Catholic Church Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition. Method for obtaining embryonic stem cell that result in the death of the prenatal was gravely immoral, regardless of how the embryo's life begins. Kaufman (2001) “There was definitely a dark side to stem cell research and therapy, however there was hope. This hope maybe intricate to reach

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Not all of the stem cells are controversial. Mostly the only one that people don’t approve of is the Embryonic Stem cell transplant. Embryonic Stem Cell Research is when scientist take cells from aborted fetuses or fertilized eggs and use then for medical research purposes. This causes controversy because it is against most people 's religion to get abortions. Even if it not against their religion, some people still do not like the idea of taking stem cells from aborted babies and putting them into sick people.

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Many people view this as destroying a potential for life to futher scientific research and knowledge. A lot of the opposition to stem cell research comes from the moral belief that human life begins at conception and some see it that destroying an embryo for medical research or even to treat another human is morally the same as killing a human child or adult for research. Many people with these views are strongly religious Roman Catholics or Orthodox

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