Biotechnology: The Ethical Use Of Stem Cells

The use of stem cells is a highly controversial topic in society today. The ethicality of destroying human embryos for research, body part growth, genetically modified food, disease treatment, and more has been the staple for debate in the world of biotechnology. But what is biotechnology? “Biotechnology is the use of any technique involving organisms to manufacture or change products, to improve the desired characteristics of a plant or animal, or to alter microorganisms for a purpose” (Hoyle). Specifically, in this case, the use of stem cells is being used for a vast variety of products ranging from things for the body, to treat the body, and for the body to use. However, the pros and cons of this up and coming advancement have produced …show more content…
Some of the medical side effects of implanting stem cells include the collection of cells called a growth or tumor (Wilson). In this case specifically, the procedure that was aimed to treat the patient failed and caused an avoidable growth on her spine. Surgery revealed a large growth on her spine that was not cancerous, however “it was secreting a "thick, copious mucus-like material", which is probably why it was pressing on her spine” (Wilson). Another expense of using stem cells for medical treatment are tax payer burdens on society (Moffit). Not only will further research and utilization of stem cells cost the patient or company themselves, it will cost society as well. With no promise of positive outcomes from the use of stem cells as well as, “People [that] are trying to get the federal taxpayers to fund what the venture capitalists will not fund,” the outcomes do not contain “good cures” (Wilson). In addition, the process of obtaining stem cells has raised a surplus of ethical confrontations. First and foremost, Catholic churches have not claimed any support to the cause to help further the use of stem cell biotechnology in its unethical ways. “Catholic foundations and medical centers have been, and will continue to be, among the leading supporters of ethically responsible advances in the medical use of adult stem cells” claims an article that conveys Catholic news (O’Brien). Essentially, the Catholic foundations will only support the uses of stem cells in any way only if they are ethical in today’s sense. Ultimately, however, the use of stem cells for biotechnology actually destroys the human embryos (Stem Cells). This issue has caused an uproar in the ethicality of obtaining stem cells, some claiming that the extraction is killing a life form while others say the embryos are too young and underdeveloped to be