Stem Cell Research
Science and technology are constantly evolving. Each year new discoveries are made that have a profound effect on society. With these new discoveries, we are faced with new questions about scientific and moral boundaries. What are we willing sacrifice for the possible benefits of a healthier tomorrow? At what point will we allow our moral standards to become subjective? These are questions that have risen from the current issue of stem cell research. In Congress, the prevalent issue in stem cell research is whether or not this issue warrants federal funding. In general society, the entire idea of stem cell research fuels incredible controversy. Pro-life and pro-choice activists declare this research morally right or wrong depending on their stance on when an embryo becomes a human life form. It is this heated debate in general society that has left Congress unsure as to their decision causing them to maintain a middle ground in the debate. This is an issue that must be looked at carefully. On one hand, the advancement of medical science is at risk while our moral standards hang by a thread on the other. In order to solve this issue, we, first, must better understand the cells that are under scr
According to recent animal research, stem cells have been found to adapt to new tissues and its functions. Essentially, stem cells seem to have the capability to be “reprogrammed.” Also, the cells seem to be able to regress to earlier levels of development with the possibility of becoming totipotent once again. To simplify the medical language into laymen’s terms, stem cells, with further research, have the potential to be formed into specific cells needed to help cure diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and diabetes along with numerous other possible benefits. Researchers are still trying to determine what makes a stem cell form into a specific body part and whether spare body parts created by this research would be rejected or accepted by a patient’s immune system. However, these questions may never have the chance to be answered due to incredible controversy surrounding this issue. Stem cells are capable of dividing and becoming specialized cells. It is this capability that makes these cells unique. According to Dr. Wolfgang Lillge, “the stem cell with the greatest potential is the fertilized egg cell, which is capable of developing into a complete organism.” Dr. Lillge also states that In conclusion, stem cell research continues to stir up heated debate. Is it morally and ethically wrong to use stem cells from embryos? When is an embryo a human life form? Both sides hold strongly to their convictions regarding this issue. For many, it is their religious views that make stem cell research appalling. Nevertheless, opposition to stem cell research is not confined to religions. While it is true that there are no immediate or long-term guaranteed benefits from stem cell research, the mere possibility of great benefits warrants this research to be conducted. Stem cell research puts us on the edge of revolutionizing medicine. The possible benefits are astounding, but, to some, these benefits come with a grave price. Are we killing humans in order to cure diseases? Again, the answer to this question would depend on the stance one takes on when an embryo becomes a human life form. Yes, these cells are taken from fertilized eggs, which usually have an end result of producing a baby. However, the fertilized eggs used to extract the stem cells have no chance in becoming a human child because they are not to be implanted in a woman’s uterus. These fertilized eggs are destined to be destroyed and thrown out without a thought. Would it be wrong to want for these fertilized eggs to have greater meaning and to serve some useful purpose? Or shall they be created in vain? Those who suffer from diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, or other numerous debilitating disorders stand the chance of finding a
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Approximate Word count = 1863
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)
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