One of the most debated topics in science is the use embryonic stem cells in scientific research. The ethical debate surrounding embryonic stem cell research comes down to two core values that we want to uphold: the alleviation of human suffering and preserving the inherent value of human life. Embryonic stem cell research is such a tricky topic because it requires us to choose between these two core values. We cannot uphold both values because the alleviation of suffering in this case is accomplished by the destruction of a human embryo, which would normally have the potential to develop into a new individual. Thus, we must fully examine both sides of the argument in order to understand the ethical implications of this issue.
One of the major …show more content…
One of these considerations is the legal documentation and consent that is involved in the use of embryonic stem cell research. Formation of a fertilized egg requires both an egg from a woman and a sperm from a man, and therefore there are two people who could be considered to own the rights to the embryo. Obtaining consent for the formation or utilization of embryos for research is complicated by the fact that two parties are involved. Who should be the one to give consent for researchers to use the embryo? Since this is still a relatively new area of research, all of the possible uses of these embryos in the clinical and laboratory setting are still unclear. This can lead to questions in how the consent should be obtained and how often researchers need to check back in with the donors to obtain consent for new …show more content…
While the scientific community often raves about the possibilities that embryonic stem cells pose for treatment of disease, most of the studies that have been performed using them have only shown minimal effectiveness. In fact, since these cells are totipotent and have not differentiated for any tissue type, these cells may not be good at detecting the environment they are placed in to know what kind of cell to become. Some researchers fear that these cells could actually be harmful if they do not become the correct cell type or if they do not stay in the location they were placed into (10). While these might simply be due to the lack of research using stem cells, it is not certain that these cells are actually as beneficial as they seem on first glance. If it turns out that these cells actually are not useful for treatments in the clinical setting, it would mean that numerous potential human lives were wasted for nothing. This is especially a tragedy if it is indeed true that life begins at conception. Instead of taking this ethical risk, it may be better to avoid embryonic stem cell research
One of the major …show more content…
One of these considerations is the legal documentation and consent that is involved in the use of embryonic stem cell research. Formation of a fertilized egg requires both an egg from a woman and a sperm from a man, and therefore there are two people who could be considered to own the rights to the embryo. Obtaining consent for the formation or utilization of embryos for research is complicated by the fact that two parties are involved. Who should be the one to give consent for researchers to use the embryo? Since this is still a relatively new area of research, all of the possible uses of these embryos in the clinical and laboratory setting are still unclear. This can lead to questions in how the consent should be obtained and how often researchers need to check back in with the donors to obtain consent for new …show more content…
While the scientific community often raves about the possibilities that embryonic stem cells pose for treatment of disease, most of the studies that have been performed using them have only shown minimal effectiveness. In fact, since these cells are totipotent and have not differentiated for any tissue type, these cells may not be good at detecting the environment they are placed in to know what kind of cell to become. Some researchers fear that these cells could actually be harmful if they do not become the correct cell type or if they do not stay in the location they were placed into (10). While these might simply be due to the lack of research using stem cells, it is not certain that these cells are actually as beneficial as they seem on first glance. If it turns out that these cells actually are not useful for treatments in the clinical setting, it would mean that numerous potential human lives were wasted for nothing. This is especially a tragedy if it is indeed true that life begins at conception. Instead of taking this ethical risk, it may be better to avoid embryonic stem cell research