Since the discovery of stem cells in 1978, (Murnaghan) the controversy circulating around these cells has been immense. First off, let us define stem cells; stem cells in Merriam Webster dictionary are defined as “a simple cell in the body that is able to develop into any one of various kinds of cells (such as blood cells, skin cells, etc.)” (Merriam-Webster). Furthermore, there are two types of stem cells, embryonic and somatic, and between these two types of stem cells is where the real controversy stems. Somatic stem cells are those derived from adults or children, and embryonic stem cells are those derived from human embryos. The controversy surrounding these stem cells centers on the embryonic stem cells. The controversy is centered around
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Somatic stem cells, though limited, have been used for years in many successful procedures. The reason adult stem cells are so limited is due to the fact that their main roles are to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found (What are adult stem cells?). Despite this, somatic stem cells have been used to help with brain cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, Chron’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and stroke damage (Adult Stem Cells - Therapies & Treatments List ). Moreover, they have been successful in making ears, noses, blood vessels, tear ducts, and windpipes in North London (Ears, Noses Grown from Stem Cells in Lab Dishes.). The results of the use of somatic stem cells should inspire us and excite us with the possibilities that could come from the use of embryonic stem cells. Looking at these results begs us to ask the question, if the limited somatic cells can do so much good, how much more could embryonic stem cells …show more content…
Just like any other medical procedure, the use of stem cells poses certain risks. Some of the risks include: stem cell (graft) failure, organ damage, infections, cataracts, infertility or new cancers. But these risks are not the only reasons why people are opposed to stem cells, in fact those risks are not even the main reason – ethical concerns are. The main ethical concern is that using embryonic stem cells is the murder of a baby, otherwise looked at as an innocent human. This thought is usually carried out by certain religious groups. However, this is a debate within itself – is it a human from the time of conception, fertilization, the third trimester, or birth? For this reason alone, we cannot base how unethical embryonic stem cell research is due to varying opinions. Legally, a fetus is not considered to be “alive” or a human until the time of birth (Definitions of Life and Death). Because of this law, we can assume as a nation that the use of embryonic stem cells is, in fact, not the killing of a human life. Despite what religious groups may say, we must remember that an entire, city, county, state, or country will never be in unison when it comes to religion and religious views and we therefore must focus on this issue from a neutral standpoint in which religion
Somatic stem cells, though limited, have been used for years in many successful procedures. The reason adult stem cells are so limited is due to the fact that their main roles are to maintain and repair the tissue in which they are found (What are adult stem cells?). Despite this, somatic stem cells have been used to help with brain cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, Chron’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and stroke damage (Adult Stem Cells - Therapies & Treatments List ). Moreover, they have been successful in making ears, noses, blood vessels, tear ducts, and windpipes in North London (Ears, Noses Grown from Stem Cells in Lab Dishes.). The results of the use of somatic stem cells should inspire us and excite us with the possibilities that could come from the use of embryonic stem cells. Looking at these results begs us to ask the question, if the limited somatic cells can do so much good, how much more could embryonic stem cells …show more content…
Just like any other medical procedure, the use of stem cells poses certain risks. Some of the risks include: stem cell (graft) failure, organ damage, infections, cataracts, infertility or new cancers. But these risks are not the only reasons why people are opposed to stem cells, in fact those risks are not even the main reason – ethical concerns are. The main ethical concern is that using embryonic stem cells is the murder of a baby, otherwise looked at as an innocent human. This thought is usually carried out by certain religious groups. However, this is a debate within itself – is it a human from the time of conception, fertilization, the third trimester, or birth? For this reason alone, we cannot base how unethical embryonic stem cell research is due to varying opinions. Legally, a fetus is not considered to be “alive” or a human until the time of birth (Definitions of Life and Death). Because of this law, we can assume as a nation that the use of embryonic stem cells is, in fact, not the killing of a human life. Despite what religious groups may say, we must remember that an entire, city, county, state, or country will never be in unison when it comes to religion and religious views and we therefore must focus on this issue from a neutral standpoint in which religion