Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay

Over the course of many centuries, scientific study and research has seen significant advancements, especially when it comes to the study of the human body. One of the major developments is embryonic stem cell research which involves the use of cells from early stage embryos. These cells are important because they have yet to mature and therefore are able to evolve into any type of cell found in the human body. Through the use of embryonic stem cell research, scientists may be enabled to learn more about the way that humans develop and possibly develop new ways to treat diseases. Be that as it may, there are many controversies when it comes to human embryonic stem cell research due to the fact that it includes breaking down human embryos which could possibly develop into human beings. There are several different views on whether or not an embryo is morally a person. Some people believe that an embryo is a person from the very beginning of fertilization, others think that an embryo is not a person until a later stage. There is a small group of people which believes that an embryo is nothing more than a glob of cells and using those cells for research comes without any restriction. Many people fall somewhere in the middle of these views and believe that due to the fact that embryos may one day become human beings, they should be respected, and that it is okay for an embryo to be used in scientific research when specifically needed. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan made it known that she shares this point of view when she wrote a letter to President Bush on April 11, 2001 stating “…I ask your help to ensure that this embryonic stem cell research, under appropriate guidelines, be protected as scientists pursue medical miracle possibilities.” Mrs. Reagan must have tugged one of the President’s heartstrings because she did not go unanswered. In 2001, President Bush, who holds strong pro-life views, allowed federal National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for stem cell research using embryonic stem cell lines already in existence at the time, while prohibiting NIH funding for the derivation or use of additional embryonic stem cell lines. In March 2009, President Obama issued an executive order allowing the use of federal funds for research on any human embryonic stem cell line found to meet the ethical policies of the NIH including the …show more content…
Regarding the research of embryos, consent is of high importance. Upon completion of infertility treatments, many women regularly have leftover embryos which they may decide to donate to scientific research instead of offering them to other women or having them destroyed. Acquiring informed consent for possible subsequent usage of these embryos honors the emotional attachment felt by the women.
During in vitro fertilization treatments, eggs that have failed to become fertilized or embryos that have failed to adequately develop for implantation are usually disposed of. The national laws of research allow for studies to be carried out on anatomical materials that are not able to be connected to donors. Therefore, the embryos that are discarded can be used for research without consent. This also means that leftover embryos which women decide to have destroyed after infertility treatments, may be marked as unidentified making it possible for them to be used in stem cell