Preview

Exploring the Moral Fortress

Best Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1681 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Exploring the Moral Fortress
Exploring the Moral Fortress The controversy of stem cell research raises concerns of immorality as well has benefit of humanity. The immorality possesses a strong basis in religion and principals of life while the benefits of humanity overlook or prove morality on the basis of cost-benefit analysis. Religion and personal beliefs of life create the immorality argument. On the other hand, religion also creates an argument proving forms of cloning were biblically permissible along with research demonstrating its many benefits to humanity. These benefits are a crucial point of the morality argument. Primarily, stem cell research could pose immense benefit to humanity. With research progression, the potential of stem cells could be developed into cures for “a wide array of injuries and degenerative diseases that are disabling or even fatal.” These cures would be developed from the cloning of over 200 tissue types that stem cells have the ability to become. Despite the potential, the research of stem cells has shown little progression since their discovery in 1993. At first glance, stem cell research looks to be going nowhere fast, however there are arguments to be made mentioning factors that pose considerable restriction upon its research. The most controversy causing restriction was George W. Bush’s vetoing of H. R. 810. This would have fueled stem cell research with the donation of embryo, from fertility clinics, that would have been thrown away otherwise. This veto restricted stem cell research facilities to use of embryos coming from the small number of sources from before. Bush’s based his decision off the morality conflict that embryos are destroyed in the process of harvesting of stem cells. This policy was reinstated by president Obama “in 2009, calling the controversy ‘a false choice between sound science and moral values’” (Allen 17). The moral values he speaks of refer to the conflict created by destruction of viable embryo. The harvesting of stem


Cited: Allen, Bob. “Stem Cell Results Labeled Meager, Immoral.” Christian Century 129.4 (2012): 17. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 13 September 2012. Burgin, Eileen. "Deciding On Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Politics & The Life Sciences 28.1 (2009): 3-16. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. C. Christopher Hook, et al. "The Science And Ethics Of Induced Pluripotency: What Will Become Of Embryonic Stem Cells?." Mayo Clinic Proceedings 86.7 (2011): 634-640. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. Fennel, John A. "Alternate Nuclear Transfer Is No Alternative For Embryonic Stem Cell Research." Bioethics 22.2 (2008): 84-91. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. Hall, Stephen S. "Stem Cells: A Status Report." Hastings Center Report 36.1 (2006): 16-22. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. Lanza, Robert, and Ronald M. Green. "Bush 's Policy Stopped US Gaining Stem-Cell Lead." Nature 438.7067 (2005): 422. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. Leabu, Mircea. "Christianity And Bioethics. Seeking Arguments For Stem Cell Research In Genesis." Journal For The Study Of Religions & Ideologies 11.31 (2012): 72-87. Humanities International Complete. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. “Stem Cell Research: Pros and Cons in Research.” Experiment Resources. 2008. Web. 13 September 2012. Teresa Woodruff, et al. "An Obscure Rider Obstructing Science: The Conflation Of Parthenotes With Embryos In The Dickey-Wicker Amendment." American Journal Of Bioethics 11.3 (2011): 20-28. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Sept. 2012. "US Researchers Push Past Stem-Cell Restrictions." Lancet 363.9412 (2004): 868-869. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 Sept. 2012.
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Embryonic Stem Cell Critical Analysis Forms
    • 2675 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cell Critical Analysis Forms

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is Not Ethical. Dennis P. Hollinger. At Issue: The Ethics of Genetic Engineering. Ed. Maurya Siedler. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2005.…

    • 2675 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Sacrificing for the Greater Good
    • 1044 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Sacrificing for the Greater Good

    Embryos are essentially microscopic human beings. Regardless of what good they may provide to the field of medicine, the ethical controversies surrounding embryonic stem cell research are profound. Stem cells, the cells used by the human body to replenish damaged tissue, are found in both embryonic and adult form. At the adult level, stem cells can be extracted from bone marrow, but the real ethical debate arises when embryonic stem cells are introduced. “Pluripotent” embryonic stem cells are among the only type that can form any of over 200 cell types, making it the most useful and versatile. These cells are isolated from the inner cell mass of the embryo when extracted, and subsequently terminates the embryo itself, which is technically manslaughter. However, it must also be noted that embryonic stem cell research can provide effective treatments and even cures for those in need of organ transplants and other irremediable predicaments. Therefore, it is safe to say, from a utilitarian perspective, that the essential “death” of one embryo can save the lives of many, and with Jeremy Bentham’s phrase “the greatest good for the greatest number”; I believe that embryonic stem cell research is ethical.…

    • 1044 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research Persuasive Speech
    • 1431 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research Persuasive Speech

    In 2009, President Barack Obama used an executive order to lift certain limitations on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research (“Embryos and Unintended Consequences”). In 1973, the United States legalized abortion with the landmark supreme court case Roe vs. Wade. According to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, stems cells are, “a renewable source of tissue that can be coaxed to become different cell types of the body.” Embryonic stem cells in particular are, “stem cells derived from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro—in an in vitro fertilization clinic—and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors” (Stem Cell Basics III). The conflict of what is considered “ethical” in regards to unborn human…

    • 1431 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Stem Cell Research - a Moral and Ethical Debate
    • 2288 Words
    • 10 Pages

    Stem Cell Research - a Moral and Ethical Debate

    Imagine your life at the age of 32. It is as perfect as you could have ever imagined it. You are married with three beautiful children; two girls and a boy. Your oldest daughter is complaining of stumbling and clumsiness, so you take her to the doctor. You are devastated to learn that she, along with your other two children, have a neurological disorder called Batten Disease. This is a rare but always fatal disease. You are now going to have to go through what no parent ever wants to go through. You will have to watch your children wilt away like flowers. They will go blind, lose all motor skills, suffer from dementia and die a horrific, prolonged death. You will have to bury not only one, but all three of your children. This is a story of the Pinder family, whose children I went to school with. The oldest two children, both girls, are now deceased, and the youngest, a boy, is progressively getting worse. Unfortunately there is no cure for this disease on the market yet. The FDA has recently approved a clinical trial to use brain stem cells of fetal tissue to treat this disease; however the funding for stem cell research is either non-existent, or tied up in the court systems due to ethical and moral issues (Stem-Cell Funding’s). Even with the release of the funds for embryonic stem cell research, it would be too late to treat the last Pinder child. After seeing this family go through the loss of two children, and waiting in emotional turmoil for the death of their last child, I am for the study and research of embryonic stem cells. I hope that it could one day save families from the pain the Pinder’s are currently in.…

    • 2288 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How Does It Affect You? Essay Example
    • 1593 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research: How Does It Affect You? Essay Example

    Embryonic stem cell research is widely controversial in the scientific world. Issues on the ethics of Embryonic Stem (ES) cell research have created pandemonium in our society. The different views on this subject are well researched and supportive. The facts presented have the capability to support or possibly change the public's perspective. This case study is based on facts and concerns that much of the research done on embryonic stem cells is derived from human embryos. This case study will provide others with a more in depth view of both sides of this great debate.…

    • 1593 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ethics of Stem Cell Research
    • 2751 Words
    • 12 Pages

    Ethics of Stem Cell Research

    Stem cell research represents a new opportunity for ethical thought and debate. Stem cells are primitive cells which have yet to specialize. Through proper coaxing, stem cells can be made to differentiate into usable body cells and eventually used for medical treatment. Though stem cell technology has been in development since the 1960’s, it was not until August of 2001, when then-president George W. Bush announced that federal funds could be allotted to embryonic stem cell research, that the issue became a hot political topic. The matter is argued with vehement fervor, but the quarrels are wrought with emotivism and partisanship more than actual valid and cogent arguments. In fact, stem cell research has a very broad range of ethical implications. The normative ethical theories, the abortion debate, and even business ethics all have a place in the discussion due to the different new moral challenges which are prompted by this blossoming technology.…

    • 2751 Words
    • 12 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Stemcell Research
    • 4323 Words
    • 18 Pages

    Stemcell Research

    Every day millions of Americans across the country suffer from ailments ranging from diabetes to spinal cord injuries. However, new scientific advancements in the field of stem cell research may one day end their pain and suffering. Therefore, it is essential for Americans to support stem cell research. Unfortunately, the research has become the center of a controversy in recent years. Opponents of the research argue against the destruction of a human embryo. Proponents of the research support it because of the promise that the tiny cells show. Scientists have already coaxed the cells into forming several different tissues and even entire organisms and with continued research they may one day be able to cure a myriad of diseases.…

    • 4323 Words
    • 18 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Stem Cell Controversial
    • 1791 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Stem Cell Controversial

    In 2001, President George W. Bush cut funding for research on stem cell obtained from human embryos because it is technology that requires the destruction of human life "My position on this issue is shaped by deeply held beliefs. I also believe human life is a sacred gift from our creator" (Bush, George W., Crawford, Texas, Thursday, August 9, 2001. Stem cell research speech.) His policy restricted the government funding of stem cells. These are utility cells with the potential to develop into various cell types throughout the body. They play an important role in the maintenance and reparation of the body. They can divide without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person is alive. Stem cells have unlimited potential when it comes to curing diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and, Arthritis. The only problem is that getting stem cell requires the destruction of a human embryo. This issue creates a moral dilemma between the duty to alleviate the suffering of others versus the duty to respect the value of human life. What decides which moral…

    • 1791 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Stem Cell Research Legislation
    • 1443 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Stem Cell Research Legislation

    For some time now, stem cell research has been a major issue when it comes to ethics. “Ethics, science and religion became further intertwined with politics in the 1990’s, increasing the battles among congress, administrations, and other agencies” (Scott, 2006, p.153). Stem cell research is probably one of the most important scientific advancements in the past one hundred years.…

    • 1443 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Embryonic Stem Cells for Research: A Debate
    • 558 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cells for Research: A Debate

    There have been a lot of controversies regarding the latest stem cell research in recent days. People have been publishing a lot about this issue and it is all over the media lately. It has aggregated some religious groups in the world and they have been very stern towards the issue. Here is my point of view regarding this issue:…

    • 558 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    Stem Cell Debate
    • 4026 Words
    • 17 Pages

    Stem Cell Debate

    Few recent scientific issues have stimulated so much media attention, public debate and government involvement as that of stem cell research. Stem cells offer people hope by promising to greatly extend the number and range of patients who could benefit from transplants, and to provide novel therapies to treat debilitating diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's, Huntington's, heart disease and stroke, as well as accidental damage such as spinal cord injury. So why would anyone object to research in this area? The problem is simply that a particular type of stem cell, which potentially could provide many cell types for a wide range of therapeutic uses, is obtained from the very early embryo. To make matters even more contentious, the same cloning technology that gave Dolly the sheep could in theory be used to tailor stem cells to the patient. Some people worry that we are taking research too far down paths that make them feel uncomfortable, others think it is downright immoral and against their deep-held, often religious, beliefs. But what are the scientific issues and why do many of us feel equally passionate that the research should be allowed?…

    • 4026 Words
    • 17 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Stem Cell Research
    • 957 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Stem Cell Research

    Cited: Conte, Ronald L. “Against Embryonic Stem Cell Research”. Catholic Planet. 2 Dec 2004. Web. 29 Nov 2011.…

    • 957 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    embryonic stem cell research
    • 686 Words
    • 3 Pages

    embryonic stem cell research

    This debate on embryonic stem cell research has held on over three decades. The controversy has not ended at this time. The controversy is about the work that holds immense promises from the scientific end and the opponents who view them as giving less value to human life. The most recent debate uses the very early part of development of stem cells for the potential to be alleviate conditions ranging from diabetes to Alzheimer's Disease. In 2001 the Bush Administration proclaimed a policy that permits some research with federal funds used with very strict rules. This policy has gathered little support three years later from the…

    • 686 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Better Essays

    Frankenstein Essay
    • 1125 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Frankenstein Essay

    Meyer, Becky. “When science goes too far.” Stem Cell Blog. (2009): n. page. Web. 27 Mar. 2013…

    • 1125 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Stem Cell Research Speech Outline
    • 486 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Stem Cell Research Speech Outline

    II. According to Sharon Schmickle an award winning author of Minneapolis post there are risk and disadvantages for stem cell…

    • 486 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics