The Embryonic Stem Cell Conflict Essay - 1271 Words

Many of the criticisms directed towards the advent of stem cell research have centered on the source of the most scientifically useful types of stem cells—pre-implantation human embryos. Unfortunately, harvesting embryonic stem cells typically results in the destruction of the embryo from which they are harvested, which gives rise to a moral dilemma: is it ethically acceptable to destroy an embryo’s potential to life? Those who are against human embryonic stem cell research will answer you with an emphatic â€Å"no†; they usually argue much like pro-lifers—â€Å"†¦human embryos have an equal standing to all living persons†¦ and destroying them is akin to murder† (Hyuu 71). However, to halt stem cell research solely because an embryo has the potential†¦show more content†¦According to Alenzi, â€Å"Stem cells are immature, unspecialized cells that their developmental direction has not yet been determined† (19929), and becaus e they do not yet serve any meaningful purpose, stem cells are capable of becoming virtually any specialized cell in the body; they can become nerve cells, blood cells, skin cells, and just about any other cell you can think of. There is a variety of sources from which stem cells may be obtained. These sources include (but are not limited to): human embryos, the blood from the umbilical cord, and even various organs from full grown adults. However, as I have mentioned before, the controversy emanates from the fact that human embryos are the preferred source for stem cells, due to their vast regenerative capabilities. While it is possible to safely harvest stem cells from full grown adults (adult stem cells), the stem cells harvested would lack the pluripotency (ability to become any specialized cell) of embryonic stem cells; whereas embryonic stem cells can differentiate into any cell, adult stem cells can only become specialized cells from the tissue in which they reside (multipotency). For example, hematopoietic stem cells— found in the bone marrow of adults— can become all mature blood cell types, but cannot become muscle cells or any other type of cell found in the body. Similar to adult s tem cells, most of the other sourcesShow MoreRelatedResearch On Stem Cell Research1582 Words   |  7 Pagescreates conflicts and dilemmas is stem cell research. The conflicts are specific types of stem cells are unethical and not morally right to research on, but not all stem cells are this way. Stem cell research is the study of different types of stem cells and their possible clinical uses. Stem cells can be developed to act as treatments for different types of illnesses and diseases, but currently no push for funding the advancement of research on stem cells are being taken. Even though some stem cellsRead MoreEssay about Embryonic Stem Cell Research1357 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cell research is a highly controversial topic in todays society, this kind of stem cell commits to regenerate any type of tissue. Unfortunately, Embryonic Stem Cell Research has a dark side. To obtain these cells will kill the embryo automatically. In other words, the acquirement of the Human Embryonic Stem Cell includes performing an abortion. To obtain these cells, it would kill the embryo. This has created controversy since abortion is suchRead MoreSupport of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay769 Words   |  4 PagesEmbryonic stem cell is one of the most controversial, widely discussed medical issues in the United States today. The medical use of stem cell raises difficult moral and political questions. To understand about embryonic stem cell. I thought we should discuss what embryonic stem cells are. According to Scientific American; June 2004, embryonic stem are derived from the portion of a very early stage embryo that would eventually give rise to an entire b ody. Because embryonic stem cells originate inRead MoreEssay on Stem Cells: The Cure for Uncontrollable Diseases of the Past1246 Words   |  5 PagesLou Gehrig’s disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, Alzheimer’s. This world is plague by countless diseases and there existed a time where, after many failed research attempts, scientists began to believe that people would always suffer from these diseases. However, with the introduction of stem cell research those past notions were dismissed. Upon their introduction, stem cell’s provided a new hope to the world and it proved itself to be an invaluable asset. Through stem cell research, a multitude of curesRead MoreStem Cells a.k.a. Mother Cells have the Ability to Replenish Tissue and Regenerate Organs841 Words   |  3 PagesStem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the capacity and potential to develop into specialized-functioning cells. They are known as the â€Å"mother cells,† due to their ability to replenish tissue and regenerate organs. The two types of stem cells are embryonic and somatic (adult) cells. Embryonic stems cells (ESCs) have not been differentiated, whereas somatic adult cells (ASCs) have. In other words, embryonic stem cells can be coded to become any specific cell required by the body. Adult stemRead MoreStem Cell Research has the Potential to Alleviate Much Suffering1425 Words   |  6 PagesIn the words of former First Lady Nancy Reagan: â€Å"Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to alleviate so much suffering. Surely, by working together we can harness its life-giving potential.† Stem cell research shows so much promise to help people by treating diseases and other problems through therapy. While it seems as though the clear answer is that we should study stem cells as soon as possible, this is sadly not the case. Stem cell research is an ongoing controversy within politics andRead MoreEssay on Embryonic Stem Cells Research1005 Words    |  5 PagesEmbryonic stem cells research is a very conflicting subject in the United States. Some people think that it is morally and religiously incorrect as they are killing a human life at the first stage of life. While some think it is ok because the human life to them starts at the fetus or when the fetus can feel pain. In this paper we are going to discuss the total aspect of embryonic stem cell research: how the government takes play in the study of embryonic stem cells, how embryonic stem cells haveRead MoreThe Debate Over Embryonic Stem Cell Research1543 Words   |  7 PagesWhile embryonic stem cell research has been ongoing for more than 30 years, it has only become a controversial topic over the past decade. The embryonic stem cell was first isolated in 1981 by two scientists at the University of Cambridge. However, it wasn’t until 1998 at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where the first batch of embryonic stem cells were created in a test tube. In 2001, P resident George W. Bush approved the use of federal funding for research on this topic, following this actionRead MoreThe And The European Union1108 Words   |  5 Pagesstates that research on embryos older than 14 days is prohibited. Panno Joseph, Ph.D. holder and clinical E.S cell researcher, explains how the age limit of 14 days is specifically used because it is the time period when the brain and spinal cord start to develop, which is the beginning of the neuralization (Panno 32). In addition, the United Kingdom denies the use of embryonic stem cells without a license (Vogel 1602). A license is only obtained for research agencies promoting advances in treatmentsRead MoreThe Conflict Between Medical Potential And Ethical Objections1358 Words   |  6 Pages Stem Cell Research: A Conflict Between Medical Potential and Ethical Objections In 2011, 23 year old Katie Sharify was involved in an automobile accident that damaged her spine, leaving her paralyzed from the chest down. Katie’s medical team proposed an experimental approach to her therapy using stem cell research, in which stem cells taken from a 5 day old embryo could be converted into cells used for communication between the brain and body. Seeing the glimmer of hope, Katie accepted. However