Pros And Cons Of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy
THE SO CALLED ELIXIR OF LIFE
February 20, 2014
The so called elixir of life
Introduction
In the ancient story of the Tower of Babel, it was evident that people during those times desired to be like God by stocking up bricks that they thought could lead to heaven. Their actions basically showed their desire for power, fame, and most of all immortality, but thinking that they could reach God was a big mistake because God in all His power outwitted them by confusing their languages which lead them to end their foolish behaviours. Similarly, some people today would give anything just to taste youth and feel alive again and with the new innovations offered today some think that the impossible is slowly becoming possible. Human …show more content…
embryonic stem cell therapy is one therapy which some would claim have paved a way to such experience by reversing the effects of aging. The process of the therapy is through using a seven year old human zygote which has formed a structure known as a blastocyst, which contains a mass of cells. If cells are taken from the blastocyst at this stage, they are known as pluripotent, meaning they have the capacity to become many different types of human cells which is what is being used for treating diseases and regenerating tissues by filling up the gap of cells (Cohan, J.,2007). Human embryonic stem cell therapy as they say is a miracle, but is it truly one? The therapy requires human embryos to be used, which means that in order to prolong one’s life another life must be sacrificed. There is nothing good about something which does not guarantee total success and which will only put lives at stake. It is not in our hands to take away lives for our own consequential benefits which is why Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy should not be legalized in the Philippines even if it may reverse the effects of aging because it has health risks, moral issues against the human embryo, and less controversial alternatives are available.
Pro Arguments Firstly, Human embryonic stem cell therapy is not all that perfect as some would believe. The reality is that there are many health risks on Embryonic Stem Cell implantation. First, when you undergo an implantation it requires you to have a lifelong use of drugs. It is to prevent the rejection of the tissue. Second, “When cells are grown in culture (a process called expansion), the cells may lose the normal mechanisms that control growth. They will need to be directed in more mature cell types or they may form tumours” (International Society for Stem Cell Research). Lastly, when cells were inserted to the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients, results included uncontrollable movements: writhing, twisting, head jerking, arm-flailing, and constant chewing (Hollowell, 2002). So the therapy is not as what you think or what they say that only has good consequences which is why it should not be legalized in our country.
Secondly, in the context of using Human Embryonic stem cell therapy there is truly a moral issue. As human beings and not as God, who are we to take away such innocent lives for self-purposes? Lives that could have developed into the brightest of people if they had been given the chance too, but sadly are being used as lab rats in researches and as cure for illnesses that do not even guarantee total success only leading to more wastage of lives. Human embryos are indeed human beings and, as such deserve respect rather than being used as disposable research material (George, R. & Lee, P., 2009). Just because a human embryo does not physically look human it does not mean it isn’t a human person who does not deserve equal protection as other people. A human embryo in its purest form never develops into a pig, a frog, or a tree but rather into a human (Harrison, D., 2003) which is why it should not be excluded from having ‘human’ rights. Our constitution even supports this in the Bill of Rights, Art. III. Sec. 1 which is the right to life (Philippine Constitution 1987, 2011). That is why using this therapy should not be legalized in our country because of such heavy moral issues.
Lastly, Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country because there is no need to perform such unethical treatment since there are many other alternatives and one would be the adult stem cell therapy. Discovered by a medical team of South Koreans in May 2005 this type of stem cell therapy helped thousands of patients in achieving wellness without sacrificing a life of the innocent (Weiss, 2005). Adult stem cell therapy is done by taking skin cells from a patient and growing stem cells (adult stem cells) containing the patient’s DNA (Adult Stem Cell, N.D). Another alternative is the induced pluripotent stem cells which are ordinary cells of the body (like skin cells) that could be converted into cells similar to embryonic stem cells which are pluripotent or ‘universal’ cells (Ganong, 2003). It is also said that hypothetically, researchers could activate certain genes in a specific cell that would literally make them embryonic again without embryo destruction. Battey (2005) said that it would really get around all the moral and ethical concerns. Another alternative is the umbilical stem cells which are genetically identical to a new born and are multipotent cells that can differentiate to certain cell types which may cure certain diseases (Cohan, J., 2007). In saving a human life there is no need for us to sacrifice an innocent one, ways are made for us to take time and realize if we value the life of the other as much as we value ours.
Counter Argument
Stoppler (2012) states that as time goes by our bodies deteriorate which cause our organs and tissues to become weak and limited because of aging.
That is why people have become inclined to seek various kinds of options offered by the field of medicine today. Supporters of human embryonic stem cell therapy emphasize that because we are now living in a modern world where there are new technologies and medicines to be offered we might as well take these oppurtunities such as the stem cell therapy. Their argument is that because Human embryonic stem cell therapy has good effects on the body because of how it renews deteriorating organs and tissues; it should be utilized (Smith & Daniel, 2008). While human embryonic stem cell therapy can be praised for its lessening the effects of aging, it does not have an overall good consequence when life must always be destroyed. One issue on the use of this therapy is the moral status of human embryos at stake. The moral status of a Human embryo should be equated with a fetus’, child’s, and adult’s status because the fact that a human embryo resulted from human gametes simply means that it is a developing human being (Hug, K., 2006). There is no sense in trying to prolong life when innocent lives are sacrificed as well. The therapy is truly inhumane because of how it disrespects the life of a growing child by killing it just to look and feel a little younger. Aging cannot be escaped because this is how we are designed that is why the …show more content…
destruction of human embryos for self gain must be stopped because it is unethical and simply because humans have no right to take another human beings life.
Sum up Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country and we have clearly stated out our arguments previously.
First of all, it was pointed out that the therapy has health risks on the patients. It was discovered that some patients were suffering from side effects and have formed tumours in their bodies because of the rejection of incompatible stem cells to their bodies. Why resort to such therapy that does not only destroy other lives but could also destroy yours? Secondly, it was pointed out that there are strong moral issues against the human embryo. We defined human embryo to be a developing human, so destroying one would mean killing your own kind. There is nothing good about prolonging life when other thousands of ones are destroyed as well. Thirdly, we provided other types of alternatives that are less controversial and are not unethical. These therapies include the adult stem cell, umbilical cord stem cell, and induced pluripotent stem cell. Unlike the human embryonic stem cell therapy, these alternatives do not need to destroy lives. That is why researchers should focus more on developing these therapies for the benefit of the people instead. Lastly, we pointed out a counterargument which is that the therapy may reverse the effect of aging but we also rebutted it in the end by pointing out that there is no over all good consequence in destroying lives. The point we provided is obviously stronger due to the fact that moral
standards of people will always arise in the end. It is always about making the right decisions for the benefit of the majority and not just one’s self and destroying lives is surely not the right decision. That is why it is clear that Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country.
So what As stated in our counter argument, human embryonic stem cell therapy may bring good effects on our body because of its potential in renewing deteriorated organs and tissues but the moral issue and health risks brought by this promising development makes this not the best choice in the field of stem cell theraphies. With this, it would open opportunities in developing a stem cell therapy that will not involve a human embryo. Based on the given facts that the medical scientists already found an alternative such as Adult Stem stem cell therapy, Umbilical Cord stem cell therapy, and Peripheral blood stem cell therapy. The future development of the stem cell therapy would be more advanced and safe because of their drive to surpass the Human Embryonic stem cell therapy and it would also promote our humanitarian awareness. Promoting human awareness would also mean that we human beings will be able to be a society of men and women for others and with this will cause the betterment of our land. Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country because it questions our character as truly being human.
References
Cohan, Jim (2007). Stem cell therapies. Retrieved from: http://www.stemcelltherapies.biz/learning/what_is_a_stem_cell.asp
George, R., & Lee, P. (2009). Embryonic human persons. Talking point on morality and human embryo research. United States Journal List, Embo Reports, 10(4): 301-306, doi: 10, 1038 lembor.2009.42
Harrison, D. (2013). When does life begin? Medical experts debate abortion issue. Retrieved from: http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com/2013/02/07/when-does-life-begin-medical-experts-debate-abortion-issues/
Philippine Constitution 1987, (2011). Quezon City: Rex Printing Company, inc.
Hollowell, K. (2002). Ten problems with embryonic stem cell research. Acts and Facts. 31(2). Retrieved from: http://www.icr.org/article/ten-problems-with-embryonic-stem-cell-research/
International Society for Stem Cell Research, (N.D) Retrieved from: http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/Frequent-Questions.html
Ganong, William F. (2003), Weiss, Rick (2005). Institute for creation research: Stem Cell Research – Doing Evil to Do Good. Retrieved from http://www.icr.org/article/stem-cell-researchdoing-evil-do-good/
Adult Stem Cell, (N.D). Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/a/adult-stem-cell.htm
February 20, 2014
The so called elixir of life
Introduction
In the ancient story of the Tower of Babel, it was evident that people during those times desired to be like God by stocking up bricks that they thought could lead to heaven. Their actions basically showed their desire for power, fame, and most of all immortality, but thinking that they could reach God was a big mistake because God in all His power outwitted them by confusing their languages which lead them to end their foolish behaviours. Similarly, some people today would give anything just to taste youth and feel alive again and with the new innovations offered today some think that the impossible is slowly becoming possible. Human …show more content…
embryonic stem cell therapy is one therapy which some would claim have paved a way to such experience by reversing the effects of aging. The process of the therapy is through using a seven year old human zygote which has formed a structure known as a blastocyst, which contains a mass of cells. If cells are taken from the blastocyst at this stage, they are known as pluripotent, meaning they have the capacity to become many different types of human cells which is what is being used for treating diseases and regenerating tissues by filling up the gap of cells (Cohan, J.,2007). Human embryonic stem cell therapy as they say is a miracle, but is it truly one? The therapy requires human embryos to be used, which means that in order to prolong one’s life another life must be sacrificed. There is nothing good about something which does not guarantee total success and which will only put lives at stake. It is not in our hands to take away lives for our own consequential benefits which is why Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapy should not be legalized in the Philippines even if it may reverse the effects of aging because it has health risks, moral issues against the human embryo, and less controversial alternatives are available.
Pro Arguments Firstly, Human embryonic stem cell therapy is not all that perfect as some would believe. The reality is that there are many health risks on Embryonic Stem Cell implantation. First, when you undergo an implantation it requires you to have a lifelong use of drugs. It is to prevent the rejection of the tissue. Second, “When cells are grown in culture (a process called expansion), the cells may lose the normal mechanisms that control growth. They will need to be directed in more mature cell types or they may form tumours” (International Society for Stem Cell Research). Lastly, when cells were inserted to the brains of Parkinson’s disease patients, results included uncontrollable movements: writhing, twisting, head jerking, arm-flailing, and constant chewing (Hollowell, 2002). So the therapy is not as what you think or what they say that only has good consequences which is why it should not be legalized in our country.
Secondly, in the context of using Human Embryonic stem cell therapy there is truly a moral issue. As human beings and not as God, who are we to take away such innocent lives for self-purposes? Lives that could have developed into the brightest of people if they had been given the chance too, but sadly are being used as lab rats in researches and as cure for illnesses that do not even guarantee total success only leading to more wastage of lives. Human embryos are indeed human beings and, as such deserve respect rather than being used as disposable research material (George, R. & Lee, P., 2009). Just because a human embryo does not physically look human it does not mean it isn’t a human person who does not deserve equal protection as other people. A human embryo in its purest form never develops into a pig, a frog, or a tree but rather into a human (Harrison, D., 2003) which is why it should not be excluded from having ‘human’ rights. Our constitution even supports this in the Bill of Rights, Art. III. Sec. 1 which is the right to life (Philippine Constitution 1987, 2011). That is why using this therapy should not be legalized in our country because of such heavy moral issues.
Lastly, Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country because there is no need to perform such unethical treatment since there are many other alternatives and one would be the adult stem cell therapy. Discovered by a medical team of South Koreans in May 2005 this type of stem cell therapy helped thousands of patients in achieving wellness without sacrificing a life of the innocent (Weiss, 2005). Adult stem cell therapy is done by taking skin cells from a patient and growing stem cells (adult stem cells) containing the patient’s DNA (Adult Stem Cell, N.D). Another alternative is the induced pluripotent stem cells which are ordinary cells of the body (like skin cells) that could be converted into cells similar to embryonic stem cells which are pluripotent or ‘universal’ cells (Ganong, 2003). It is also said that hypothetically, researchers could activate certain genes in a specific cell that would literally make them embryonic again without embryo destruction. Battey (2005) said that it would really get around all the moral and ethical concerns. Another alternative is the umbilical stem cells which are genetically identical to a new born and are multipotent cells that can differentiate to certain cell types which may cure certain diseases (Cohan, J., 2007). In saving a human life there is no need for us to sacrifice an innocent one, ways are made for us to take time and realize if we value the life of the other as much as we value ours.
Counter Argument
Stoppler (2012) states that as time goes by our bodies deteriorate which cause our organs and tissues to become weak and limited because of aging.
That is why people have become inclined to seek various kinds of options offered by the field of medicine today. Supporters of human embryonic stem cell therapy emphasize that because we are now living in a modern world where there are new technologies and medicines to be offered we might as well take these oppurtunities such as the stem cell therapy. Their argument is that because Human embryonic stem cell therapy has good effects on the body because of how it renews deteriorating organs and tissues; it should be utilized (Smith & Daniel, 2008). While human embryonic stem cell therapy can be praised for its lessening the effects of aging, it does not have an overall good consequence when life must always be destroyed. One issue on the use of this therapy is the moral status of human embryos at stake. The moral status of a Human embryo should be equated with a fetus’, child’s, and adult’s status because the fact that a human embryo resulted from human gametes simply means that it is a developing human being (Hug, K., 2006). There is no sense in trying to prolong life when innocent lives are sacrificed as well. The therapy is truly inhumane because of how it disrespects the life of a growing child by killing it just to look and feel a little younger. Aging cannot be escaped because this is how we are designed that is why the …show more content…
destruction of human embryos for self gain must be stopped because it is unethical and simply because humans have no right to take another human beings life.
Sum up Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country and we have clearly stated out our arguments previously.
First of all, it was pointed out that the therapy has health risks on the patients. It was discovered that some patients were suffering from side effects and have formed tumours in their bodies because of the rejection of incompatible stem cells to their bodies. Why resort to such therapy that does not only destroy other lives but could also destroy yours? Secondly, it was pointed out that there are strong moral issues against the human embryo. We defined human embryo to be a developing human, so destroying one would mean killing your own kind. There is nothing good about prolonging life when other thousands of ones are destroyed as well. Thirdly, we provided other types of alternatives that are less controversial and are not unethical. These therapies include the adult stem cell, umbilical cord stem cell, and induced pluripotent stem cell. Unlike the human embryonic stem cell therapy, these alternatives do not need to destroy lives. That is why researchers should focus more on developing these therapies for the benefit of the people instead. Lastly, we pointed out a counterargument which is that the therapy may reverse the effect of aging but we also rebutted it in the end by pointing out that there is no over all good consequence in destroying lives. The point we provided is obviously stronger due to the fact that moral
standards of people will always arise in the end. It is always about making the right decisions for the benefit of the majority and not just one’s self and destroying lives is surely not the right decision. That is why it is clear that Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country.
So what As stated in our counter argument, human embryonic stem cell therapy may bring good effects on our body because of its potential in renewing deteriorated organs and tissues but the moral issue and health risks brought by this promising development makes this not the best choice in the field of stem cell theraphies. With this, it would open opportunities in developing a stem cell therapy that will not involve a human embryo. Based on the given facts that the medical scientists already found an alternative such as Adult Stem stem cell therapy, Umbilical Cord stem cell therapy, and Peripheral blood stem cell therapy. The future development of the stem cell therapy would be more advanced and safe because of their drive to surpass the Human Embryonic stem cell therapy and it would also promote our humanitarian awareness. Promoting human awareness would also mean that we human beings will be able to be a society of men and women for others and with this will cause the betterment of our land. Human embryonic stem cell therapy should not be legalized in our country because it questions our character as truly being human.
References
Cohan, Jim (2007). Stem cell therapies. Retrieved from: http://www.stemcelltherapies.biz/learning/what_is_a_stem_cell.asp
George, R., & Lee, P. (2009). Embryonic human persons. Talking point on morality and human embryo research. United States Journal List, Embo Reports, 10(4): 301-306, doi: 10, 1038 lembor.2009.42
Harrison, D. (2013). When does life begin? Medical experts debate abortion issue. Retrieved from: http://www.thesurvivaldoctor.com/2013/02/07/when-does-life-begin-medical-experts-debate-abortion-issues/
Philippine Constitution 1987, (2011). Quezon City: Rex Printing Company, inc.
Hollowell, K. (2002). Ten problems with embryonic stem cell research. Acts and Facts. 31(2). Retrieved from: http://www.icr.org/article/ten-problems-with-embryonic-stem-cell-research/
International Society for Stem Cell Research, (N.D) Retrieved from: http://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/Frequent-Questions.html
Ganong, William F. (2003), Weiss, Rick (2005). Institute for creation research: Stem Cell Research – Doing Evil to Do Good. Retrieved from http://www.icr.org/article/stem-cell-researchdoing-evil-do-good/
Adult Stem Cell, (N.D). Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/a/adult-stem-cell.htm