Stem Cell Research Controversy

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Stem cell research is a highly debated issue in today's society. The controversy around stem cell research originates from the fact that in order to do research on stem cells, one needs to have an embryo, which is the first stage of a child’s formation. Stem cells were first isolated in 1998. Stem cells are cells that can become any type of body tissue. For example, if someone has a defective heart and they are missing a vital part of the heart, stem cells could regenerate that piece which they need to live a long and healthy life. The ethical problem that people are confronted with when discussing stem cell research is that in order for this research to happen, a child’s life must cease to exist. The federal government is currently in favor …show more content…
However great the opportunities are for stem cell research, the accumulation of these cells is surrounded by controversy. The major controversy is the use of embryonic stem cells for research. These specific stem cells are collected through the destruction of human embryos. Pro-life organizations are against the collection of embryonic stem cells as they feel that this is ending a life. These organizations hope that scientists will be able to prevent horrible diseases without having to use these embryonic stem cells. Scientists are willing to use these embryonic stem cells in order to cure diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or types of cancer. Scientists believe that the possibility for a cure that will help millions of people is a greater good than the loss of the “life” of one person. Scientists are doing their best to create stem cells outside of the embryos however; this takes a lot of time and money. Some scientists are working on drugs and other therapies to help people deal with these diseases. However, these drugs and therapies will not cure the disease. The disease will still remain and its effects will only be able to be controlled, not cured. The use of embryonic stem cells offers a way to cure these horrible diseases before it gets to the point that the sick person dies. Scientists and Pro-Life organizations will never come to an agreement over what should be done but if there is a way to create stem cells without using human embryos, this will stop most of the

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