What Are The Pros And Cons Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

“In November of 1998, the country learned that James Thomson [of the University of Wisconsin] and John Gearhart [of Johns Hopkins University] had isolated fairly potent stem cells from early human embryos and grown them in a culture (Harkin, Frist, Skirboll, and West).” Embryonic stem cells are derived from the earliest human embryos which are developed from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro at fertility clinics. They can migrate to the site of infection or damage in the body and transform into any kind of cell that will fight it off. With the research that James Thomson and John Gearhart did, the scientific community and public became very interested in the topic, and the potential it has. Although it seems like embryonic stem cell
They are actively raging about how scientists are using the cells for research, but there are a few groups, like Roman Catholic and Protestants, that allow some. “Those who value human life from the point of conception, oppose embryonic stem cell research because the extraction of stem cells from this type of an embryo requires its destruction (Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Research).” In reality, these valuable cells are being destroyed like people feared instead of donated for research purposes to further benefit the human race. Since religious groups are pro-life, it is their belief that the embryo the cells are derived from is a live human with a soul, and by removing the cells, it is murder (Robinson). There is actually no formation of human features within these cells, because the blastocyst has yet to implant on the uterus. Therefore, the embryo doesn’t have aspirations or goals like a living human does, and it won’t be harmed in the process. People also won’t start creating lives for the use of research in this area, and since abortion isn’t going to be outlawed anytime soon, it would be better to use the results of it for advancement in
According to Occupy Theory,
Some medical experts have opined that the advent of stem cell research could be the greatest development when it comes to eradication of the human race’s suffering and pain since the invention of antibiotics. Moral observers also believe that it is important to end as much human suffering as we possibly can and leave a less painful existence for the next generation. (Stem Cell Research Pros and Cons List)
This is yet another reason why it is vital to allow more research of embryo cells. As mentioned above, this type of research has the opportunity to prevent numerous life threatening diseases. A woman named Adele Miller watched both of her parents develop Alzheimer’s disease, and now even herself. In the article, Adele’s daughter Lauren is quoted saying the following,
Alzheimer's research is woefully underfunded by the government, so it's important to have bold, innovative approaches like CIRM’s to take research to the next level," Lauren said. "Stem cell research is at the cusp of something life changing. To me, it's one of the things closest to making a step toward treatment. I jumped at the opportunity to be part of it. (California’s Stem Cell