Essay On Embryonic Stem Cell Research
2/15/13 Period 2
Research on the use of embryonic stem cells has sparked controversial debates all over the United States. What makes them so controversial? It is where they come from. Embryonic stem cells are “blank cells” harvested from an early stage embryo that have the potential to turn into any kind of cell in the human body. Usually, these embryos are unused from in vitro fertilizations and would otherwise be thrown away. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to treat people with diseases, such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, and leukemia as well as be used to test drugs. Despite the possibilities, ethical debates and lack of funding restricts researchers from doing so.
The most obvious reason for embryonic stem cell research is the possibility to help people. Since they can be manipulated into any of the two hundred and twenty human cells, stem cells can be injected into a person with a degenerative disease with hopes of becoming healthy replacements to any of the sick cells. Instead of heart or liver transplants, these cells could provide healthy tissue to rejuvenate them. Stem cells also provide insight regarding …show more content…
understanding the abnormal cell division that causes birth defects. With more research, new medical treatments and knowledge would be made available, saving the lives of many.
The opposition argues that the use of embryonic stem cells is immoral because harvesting them destroys the embryo, which in their eyes, is taking a human life.
Is this really homicide? Stem cells are usually harvested from embryos that are declared “clinically dead.” Researchers have also developed other ways to harvest stem cells, such as altered nuclear transfer (ANT) where the original embryo is cloned. Many claim that adult stem cells (cells that come from bone marrow, etc.) have not been given much attention. In fact, this is because adult stem cells are weaker than and not as flexible as embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are capable of unlimited proliferation (a sign of viability), while adult stem cells are not able to divide as quickly. No argument can outweigh the possibility of saving millions, if not billions, of
lives.
Embryonic stem cells won’t only save human lives but the lives of many animals used for testing. Drugs can be tested on these cells for safety and would allow a wider variety of testing. For example, stem cells could mimic a disease, such as Alzheimer’s. Then, researchers could screen them with potential drugs. The speed and accuracy of drug testing would improve and would lower the amount of animal testing.
Imagine a world where diseases, such as Parkinson’s and leukemia, are treatable or even curable. Embryonic stem cells can help with a myriad of things—curing or treating diseases, drug testing, and even understanding more about cell division. Though many argue ethical concerns on embryonic stem cells, if you were put in the position of a patient or a loved one, wouldn’t you want a choice that could potentially save your or your loved one’s life? As humans, we shouldn’t shy away from knowledge, but embrace it and pursue research.
Research on the use of embryonic stem cells has sparked controversial debates all over the United States. What makes them so controversial? It is where they come from. Embryonic stem cells are “blank cells” harvested from an early stage embryo that have the potential to turn into any kind of cell in the human body. Usually, these embryos are unused from in vitro fertilizations and would otherwise be thrown away. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to treat people with diseases, such as Parkinson’s, diabetes, and leukemia as well as be used to test drugs. Despite the possibilities, ethical debates and lack of funding restricts researchers from doing so.
The most obvious reason for embryonic stem cell research is the possibility to help people. Since they can be manipulated into any of the two hundred and twenty human cells, stem cells can be injected into a person with a degenerative disease with hopes of becoming healthy replacements to any of the sick cells. Instead of heart or liver transplants, these cells could provide healthy tissue to rejuvenate them. Stem cells also provide insight regarding …show more content…
understanding the abnormal cell division that causes birth defects. With more research, new medical treatments and knowledge would be made available, saving the lives of many.
The opposition argues that the use of embryonic stem cells is immoral because harvesting them destroys the embryo, which in their eyes, is taking a human life.
Is this really homicide? Stem cells are usually harvested from embryos that are declared “clinically dead.” Researchers have also developed other ways to harvest stem cells, such as altered nuclear transfer (ANT) where the original embryo is cloned. Many claim that adult stem cells (cells that come from bone marrow, etc.) have not been given much attention. In fact, this is because adult stem cells are weaker than and not as flexible as embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are capable of unlimited proliferation (a sign of viability), while adult stem cells are not able to divide as quickly. No argument can outweigh the possibility of saving millions, if not billions, of
lives.
Embryonic stem cells won’t only save human lives but the lives of many animals used for testing. Drugs can be tested on these cells for safety and would allow a wider variety of testing. For example, stem cells could mimic a disease, such as Alzheimer’s. Then, researchers could screen them with potential drugs. The speed and accuracy of drug testing would improve and would lower the amount of animal testing.
Imagine a world where diseases, such as Parkinson’s and leukemia, are treatable or even curable. Embryonic stem cells can help with a myriad of things—curing or treating diseases, drug testing, and even understanding more about cell division. Though many argue ethical concerns on embryonic stem cells, if you were put in the position of a patient or a loved one, wouldn’t you want a choice that could potentially save your or your loved one’s life? As humans, we shouldn’t shy away from knowledge, but embrace it and pursue research.