Benefits Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

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Stem cell research has persisted for decades, and has doubtless produced numerous positive and influential results, namely the replacement and repair of vital organs and tissues in the human body. Indeed, adult stem cell therapy has proceeded largely undisputed in medical procedure. However, embryonic stem cell research, the extraction of stem cells from early stage embryos, has been highly controversial and polarizing. Mainly, ethical concerns have arisen in response to the very concept and implementation of embryonic stem cell therapy; yet, these concerns are outweighed by the benefits of embryonic stem cell research. Thus, it is in the best interest of scientists, and the general public, to further embryonic stem cell research. Generally, stem cells are beneficial to human life in that they have the capability to grow and transform into other types of cells vital to the operation of the human body, or are pluripotent, unlike adult stem cells, and that they can replicate, much like regular cells, and at a similar rate (Stanford Institute, “Testing the Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration). If embryonic stem cell research is conducted, the embryonic stem cells, much like adult stem cells, will have the potential to replace dead or dying cells in the body, and replicate to compensate for any deficit, thereby ensuring that the recipient’s organs function as per normal. The primary benefits of embryonic stem cell research, in particular, lie in the vast potential curative benefits of the stem cells. …show more content…
Although embryonic stem cell research is fairly recent, dating only to 1998 (National Institutes of Health, “Stem Cell Information”), the stem cells have been known to aid in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, ALS, heart failure, and cancer, additionally to various spinal cord injuries and conditions (New York Stem Cell Foundation, “NYSCF Research”). Embryonic stem cells can also prolong human life, and reverse the natural aging process somewhat, via the renewal of organ function. One assertion in support of the development of embryonic stem cell research claims, “Progressives and conservatives should join together and affirm that embryonic stem cell research holds great promise for those suffering from diseases; thank responsible and ethical scientists for their tireless efforts; and hope that, someday soon, cures will be discovered” (Frank). The reference to progressives and conservatives alludes to the fundamental division between the two political parties, who favor choice of the mother to abort or preserve her baby, and who favor the preservation of the life of the baby at all costs. In addition, the assertion states that embryonic stem cell research holds amazing promise, that which will eventually lead to cures for diseases which plague the world round. As such, embryonic stem cells, in particular, should become more widely-researched and recognized. If embryonic stem cell research becomes more prominent, accepted, and widely conducted, then organ transplants are bound to become a relic of the past, in light of the fact that embryonic stem cells have the capability to regrow nearly any organ in the human body. …show more content…
There will also be no risk of organ rejection, because the organ is still composed of the person’s own DNA. Moreover, embryonic stem cells can repair damaged or dysfunctional tissues, serving as regenerative medicine (National Institutes of Health, “Stem Cell Information”). These functions are especially critical in saving lives, as organs and tissues are integral parts of the body; were they to function improperly or suffer damage, one could not possibly survive, let alone live healthily. Perhaps most promisingly, in-depth research and implementation of embryonic stem cell therapy will allow for the development of an entirely new field of scientific research, which may be studied in conjunction with medicinal science to treat diseases currently thought incurable or extremely difficult to cure, and to prevent epidemics of future diseases. This new field would carry the possibilities of identifying the primary causes of a disease, injury, or dysfunction, forecast them, and prevent or remedy them more effectively than ever before. The main arguments against the advancement of embryonic stem cell research are ethical concerns: those in support of an embryo’s or fetus’ right to life, those decidedly against abortion in any stage of pregnancy for moral and ethical reasons, insist that stem cell

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