Stem Cell Research Ethics

Before one is capable about having a deep discussion about stem cells he must understand some of the key terms involved in stem cell research. The first term is totipotent. Totipotent cells are the cells of the zygote. These cells are able to develop into any type of cell inside or outside the body. An example of cells that are considered outside the body is the placenta. The ability for totipotent cells to develop into cells outside the body is what separates it from pluripotent cells. Pluripotent cells also have the ability to develop into any cell within the body. They develop when the zygote transforms to the blastocyst which occurs after a few days. The third type of stem cell are considered multipotent. These do not come from zygotes or blastocyst; they can be harvested from adults. The one issue with multipotent cells is that they are more differentiated than totipotent and pluripotent cells. They are not capable of becoming any type of cell but rather …show more content…
This research is very important because many of the genetic diseases that cause a great deal of pain and death could be eliminated. If these diseases that have killed millions of people could be cured this would be revolutionary for the field of medicine. Despite the clear benefits of research there are many ethical issues with stem cells and stem cell research. One of the most common arguments against it is that destroying an embryo is the same as killing a human. Another ethical argument against research is that this could lead to immortality. There are multiple arguments against immortality whether it be that we are not gods so we should not be immortal, this would lead to overpopulation, and other arguments. A third ethical issue with stem cells is the idea of cloning. Many people are against the idea of clothing because they believe that the only right way for a person to be created is by sperm and an