Preview

Stem Cell Research: Good or Bad

Powerful Essays
Open Document
Open Document
3795 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Stem Cell Research: Good or Bad
Introduction: Why Stem Cell Research?
Stem cell research is a major problem that the world is facing today. A majority of people are against stem cell research, but a larger majority of people are for stem cell research. Because of this large controversy, most of America is torn down the middle because there are many reasons to support stem cell research, but there are also some reasons to be against it. I really did not know much about stem cell research before this project and I did not know what side to support.
Throughout this project you will read about stem cells and what different groups, organizations, and people have to say about it. I found this relevant to include because in order to understand the opinions of people, you must first understand what their opinion is on. In this paper you will also read a testimony from Christopher Reeve, a spinal cord injury patient, whose life could have been affected deeply if he was still alive today. I have also included interviews with my father and my cousin, to get different opinions on stem cell research.
This paper talks about stem cells in a positive and negative way, in order to get both sides of the story. My reasons for including both sides was so that I could choose a side to support. I have been so perplexed to what was going about stem cell research before this project. I was torn between the middle because people were telling me to be against stem cell research and other people were telling me to support stem cell research. So, I decided that I would get a larger opinion from both sides and see which side I support.
At the completion of this project I hope to learn about stem cells, what they do, and where they come from. I also hope to learn about how stem cells can help humans . I hop that the completion of this project will give me a better understanding of stem cell research, so that I

would be able to choose the side that I support. Whether it be for or against stem cell


Cited: 1) February 23, 2005 2) February 23, 2005 3) February 23, 2005 4) February 23, 2005 5) February 23, 2005 6) February 18, 2005 7) February 18, 2005 8) February 18, 2005 9) February 18, 2005 10) February 18, 2005 11) February 18, 2005 12) February 18, 2005 13) February 23, 2005
Continue Reading
View Writing Issues

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research
    • 718 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research

    The topic of Embryonic stem cell research carries with it a very controversial past. Some people support it, others do not. Stem cell research costs about 42 million dollars a year, how do they afford it, by the funding of private companies. However, what happens when the money runs out? Where will they get more? Will stem cell research continue? These are the questions I will be addressing in this essay.…

    • 718 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Future Posibilites of Stem Cell Research
    • 264 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Future Posibilites of Stem Cell Research

    Due to recent discoveries, stem cell research will have many future medical possibilities. A recent stem cell breakthrough shows that cloning human organs or body parts to treat patients with injured organs or limb deficiencies could be possible. “The cloning techniques can also be used to grow organs for patients with a failing liver or kidney.” Because the newly cloned organ will be genetically identical to the one being replaced, rather than a donated one, the chances of it being rejected will be very low. Ultimately, this opens up many possibilities of curing patients with injuries, amputations, and failing organs. Stem cell research also reveals the ability to cure diseases. “Researcher Dieter Egli said their work was inspired by the thought of being able to take stem cells from embryos and use them to treat and even cure diseases. Worn out hearts could be patched up, aged brains could be rejuvenated and diabetics could be freed from the need to take insulin, all thanks to stem cells.” Stem cell researchers believe it is possible to cure diseases by replacing old organs with newly cloned ones. This will impact future medical possibilities because newer treatments will be out there and the ability to cure diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer may be possible. Furthermore, federal funding for stem cell research has been limited although by the popularity of its breakthroughs; stem cell research may receive federal funding in the near future. This will broaden stem cell research and allow scientists a greater chance of discovering new medical possibilities in the near…

    • 264 Words
    • 2 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
  • Powerful Essays

    Pol 201 Week 5 Bd
    • 1384 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Pol 201 Week 5 Bd

    For this discussion I have chosen stem cell research as my issue area. Stem cell research is a controversial research that uses cells from human embryos to potentially cure diseases. Stem cells can be found in almost every multi cellular living organism on the planet. It plays a crucial and irreplaceable part in our growth from embryonic development to adulthood. Stem cells are classified as undifferentiated cells, one that has yet to evolve or be assigned to a specific function by the host body. A stem cell would continue to divide, through the process of mitosis, until it eventually matures into a differentiated cell, which would either be committed as a building block for the hosts, or used in a…

    • 1384 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Powerful Essays
    Read More
  • Powerful Essays

    outline on stemcell research paper
    • 964 Words
    • 4 Pages

    outline on stemcell research paper

    Thesis: In the great debate of biomedical engineering, stem cell research has become a hot topic as the religious community has become outraged with the destruction of human life for medical experimentation…

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

    Embryonic Stem Cells
    • 1345 Words
    • 6 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cells

    As science becomes more and more advanced, there are many more ways to combat illnesses. Some of these are more successful and widely known, but one of the more controversial is stem cell research. In the article "Embryonic Stem Cell Fairy Tales", Jean Swenson attempts to educate the public on why she believes many are prone to believing that embryonic stem cells (which have not been successfully used on humans) are the cure to many fatal diseases and illnesses. She goes on to argue that this is an idealist's belief and not a valid way to cure any ailments, and suggests that adult stem cells and cord blood cells are a much more valid treatment. With her use of rhetoric, Swenson is able to formulate an argument that first appeals to the audience with personal testimony and putting the article forth in a simpler manner than perhaps a scientific journal, but then expanding on that to include many authorities and studies on stem cell research. Finally, in perhaps her strongest argument, the author appeals directly to the audience by asking them to look at the information and form their own opinion on it, asking them to make informed decisions based on their common sense.…

    • 1345 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research Persuasive Essay
    • 1187 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Embryonic Stem Cell Research Persuasive Essay

    Although Goldstein in his article “Providing Hope Through Stem Cell Research” determines “Ethically validated pluripotent stem cell research provides new hope for desperately ill people.”(84) , it is a risk for ethics. Moreover, the CBHD in the article “Human Stem Cell Research Is Unethical” implies “To manipulate and destroy huan embryos should make us all awake at night”(97). Thus, abiding by human embryonic stem cell research can easily create a guilty conscious. Furthermore, the CBHD declares that in the past there were numerous experiments which were driven by a crass utilitarian ethos which results in the creation of a “sub-class” of human beings, allowing the rights of the few to be sacrificed for the sake of potential benefit to many(98). Therefore, to victimize one human being in order to rescue another human being , undoubtfully, is unethical, tyrannical and against the human dignity. The CBHD also adds that “...we recognize that we are simply not freee to pursue good ends via unethical means of all human beings, embryos are the most defenseless against abuse”(99). From this viewpoint, destroying these defenseless human being is also unethical and may not be ignored. Briefly, human embryonic stem cell research is unethical and should be…

    • 1187 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Ethics of Stem Cell Research
    • 2751 Words
    • 12 Pages

    Ethics of Stem Cell Research

    The first task of dissecting this debate is to differentiate between the two types of stem cell research. The first is adult (also called somatic or germ-line) stem cell research and is generally accepted and endorsed by all groups. Taken from human bone marrow or other deep tissues, this type of research has already been used for years in the treatment of many diseases, most notably Leukemia. Even the Catholic Church supports adult stem cell research, going so far as to partner with certain groups to further adult stem cell research funding. The disagreement lies in embryonic stem cell research. In embryonic stem cell research, a human embryo is created and then destroyed in order to obtain the intended stem cells. The circumstances which make the embryonic cells more desirable are two-fold. First, technology for embryonic stem cell research is currently farther along than somatic cell research; and therefore, it is cheaper. The more important distinction is in the quality of the cells collected. Adult…

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

    Stemcell Research
    • 4323 Words
    • 18 Pages

    Stemcell Research

    Thesis: Stem cells offer hope for sufferers of a myriad of ailments. Therefore, it is essential for Americans to support stem cell research.…

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

    Stem Cell Research Yay or Nay
    • 2512 Words
    • 11 Pages

    Stem Cell Research Yay or Nay

    One of the biggest political debates of recent times is whether the government should not only allow, but appropriate funds for the research of all types of stem cells mainly the embryonic stem cell. A stem cell is a primitive type of cell that can be manipulated into developing into most of the cells present in the body. Scientists believe that the stem cell is the single most important element in the cure of many diseases, which include heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and some types of cancer. Stem cells can be extracted from both adults and young embryos. The differences of an embryonic stem cell and an adult stem cell in most peoples eyes are that cells can be extracted from adults for research without harm to adult, but those extracted from embryos are the result of the destruction of the embryo. Scientists believe that although adult stem cells can be helpful in the research in disease, those cells are inferior to those of a human embryo because the embryonic stem cell can developing in almost all the types of cells in the body, but the adult variety is limited in how many cells it can develop into. The Coalition for the advancement of Medical Research estimates, "…stem cell research shows promise to develop cures and/or new treatments for 100 million Americans who currently suffer from a wide variety of diseases and disorders."…

    • 2512 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Better Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Stem Cell - Persuasive
    • 1857 Words
    • 8 Pages

    Stem Cell - Persuasive

    Earlier this year a man was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma. A cancer that is more common in females than in males. Though a very common cancer, this one went untreated for years due to the fact that it was unknown that he even had it. Now you may be asking yourself, did the man do anything to cause the cancer? The answer to that is no, the man up until then lived a relatively healthy life. Cancer effects all of us is some way shape or form. You may know someone that is suffering right now. Someone very close to you, now what would you do if I told you that there could be a cure? Well stem cell research is breaking ground in this area…..Did you know that stem cells are the source of at least some , and perhaps all cancers. What you’re going to learn from me today is exactly what stem cell research is, how it can potentially help in treating a range of medical problems that could lead us closer to cures, the facts about the embryo’s used, and what we can do to support stem cell research.…

    • 1857 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More
  • Good Essays

    Stem Cell Research; Agree or Disagree
    • 527 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Stem Cell Research; Agree or Disagree

    There is now one primary issue concerning stem cell research, with both pros and cons. The issue is really not about the stem cell research itself, but about how the knowledge might be used. Stem cell research has the potential to treat a wide range of medical problems. It could possibly lead humanity closer to more effective treatment methods, and possibly cure a number of debilitating diseases and ailments, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, birth defects, spinal cord injuries, heart diseases, strokes and diabetes (type 1). Improved treatment for diseases and injuries such as these could give sizeable social benefits for individuals and significant economic gains for society as a whole. Detractors of this type of research say that "We should not interfere with human life," and "Humans have no right trying to play God." There are even some who argue that stem cell research may lead to cloning humans in the future. It is difficult to predict with any…

    • 527 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
  • Good Essays

    Stem Cell Research Speech Outline
    • 486 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Stem Cell Research Speech Outline

    Stem cell research could have a positive impact to different diseases including stroke, respiratory disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, spinal cord injuries, and some birth defects.…

    • 486 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
    Read More

Related Topics