Stem Cells: Murder, Salvation?

Stem cells are defined as cells that have the potential to become a plethora of cell types. Within the human body, there are hundreds of different types of cells that carry out myriad functions, such as muscle cells and neural cells. Stem cells have immense potential, because they can differentiate into most of the cells found within the body. These cells have been utilized to cure patients stricken with severe genetic disorders, and have the potential to cure many more genetic diseases. Hypothetically, stem cells could one day be used to regenerate entire organs, ameliorating

Another type of stem cell, called cord blood stem cell, is derived from the umbilical cord after birth. This type of stem cell, which shares many similar features with adult stem cells found in bone marrow, is rich with pluripotent cells. (Rubenstein) Cord blood cells appear to be superior to adult bone marrow stem cells, because they are much less likely to be afflicted with viral infections that could sicken or even kill the recipient. The reason for is because adult cells are much more likely to become exposed to such harmful viruses, while cord blood stem cells have been sheltered by the mother’s protective womb (Rubenstein). Furthermore, cord blood stem cells are easier for the donor to accept, and do not exert a strong immune reaction as is found with adult bone marrow stem cells.

During this time period, it was discovered that the body had the ability to recognize which cells were foreign, allowing the immune system to prevent infection from invading bacteria. The immune system identifies cells by monitoring HLA’s, a structure that exists on the perimeter of all cells, and differs between each person (NMDP). Although this system of cellular identification is usually beneficial because it protects the body, it served as a major hindrance for bone marrow transplantation, because donor cells must be the perfect match or else they will be rejected by the host’s immune system. In 1968, the first successful stem cell transplant occurred between two twins—thus assuring that the operation would be successful (NMDP). It was not until the early eighties that a national registry of individuals’ HLA types was created, providing a nationwide system for bone marrow transplantation.

While the fear of eugenics is certainly healthy, a proof of our critical and self-scrutinizing society, we must not allow our trepidations to become irrational and to undermine the aspirations of most people: the betterment of humanity. We must exceed our cliché ethical hang ups, and realize that eugenics will never exist in our analytical and self democracy. Instead, we must recognize that stem cells will save millions and revive the aged and disabled. It would be a farce to state that embryonic stem cell research will ameliorate without a sacrifice. Certainly embryos are valuable and must be respected, but are they worth shattering the possibility of a world where no child suffers from a debilitating genetic disease, where aging hearts and minds can be revitalized, where wheelchairs are a symbol of our brutal and chaotic past? I believe that this sacrifice must be taken; I plan to major in biology here at Tufts University, and subsequently work in the field of stem cell technology. Perhaps one day I will be healed, and I won’t have to fear a life on a dialysis machine.

Those that oppose embryonic stem cell research are usually the same individuals that oppose abortion. This people believe that embryos have the same rights as a born human, and must be treated in this manner. The primary source of this mentality is Greek Orthodox Christianity and Catholicism, and contrary to popular belief, not Protestant theology. According to Edmund Pellegrino of Georgetown University, Catholic tradition insists that “human life is a continuum from the one-cell stage to death” (Bourzac). In the Greek Orthodox tradition (according to Father Demopulos of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church), we are all "potential human persons" who are "struggling toward theosis," a process of becoming God, which "begins with the zygote." (Bourzac). In Protestantism, there is so vast a disparity between views that no generalization can be made. Certain Protestants oppose stem cell technology, while others support embryonic cloning for stem cell research purposes. News behemoth ABC did a study with white evangelical Protestants concerning embryonic stem cell technology, and 50% were for while 40% were apposed. Despite Catholicism’s the greater theological oppos

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