Stem Cell Research Pros And Cons

Stem cell research brings a lot of controversy because of the wide range of ways stem cells can be used in research. There are those who support and oppose stem cell research. Stem cell research is currently used to cure cell mutations that could lead to cancers; however, this research could potentially lead to dangerous, unethical experimentation. Using any stem cells to propagate differentiated human cells, tissues, or organs should be prohibited because these embryos are alive, and scientists do not fully know the effects of this research.
Scientific background: According to the American Journal of Health Education, “Stem cells are template cells found throughout the body that can grow to become cells with specialized functions” (Eve, …show more content…
It is usually religious beliefs people are affiliated with that drive them to advocate for the end of stem cell research. The Supreme Court was of no help or harm in this matter as the philosophical ruling that all life is sacred or that life starts at conception is admittedly a difficult decision. It is this existential divide that causes stem cell research to be a political anchor in what the voter chooses, and it only serves to drive people farther apart in the pro-choice and pro-life movement. The majority of industrialized countries have accepted all forms of stem cell research with only some smaller countries of the world banning all research. Adult stem cell collecting is not nearly as contested or controversial an issue as embryonic stem cell research as adult stem cell harvesting is an easily consented and simple process, while embryonic research involves the destruction of human embryos. Not much is being restricted given how much is opposed, and many feel that lines must be drawn or the respect and integrity lent to human life will grow more relaxed in nature leading to experimentation inhumane in its ambition. Stem cell methods of treatment are sometimes not advisable and are treated more as experimental therapies than actual treatments. Even enthusiasts of stem cell research and …show more content…
Stem cell research is fraught with controversy between those who think it is perfectly justifiable and those who believe it is the destruction of a human. Embryonic and fetal stem cells are both heavily contested topics as the thought of destroying human life at any stage has always been a topic of debate by a large faction of the nation. According to the definition given, this embryo has all the qualities to characterize the embryo as alive. Scientists have lost sight of the facts that they are experimenting on embryos that have all of the functions to be considered alive. So, it is up to those who have a voice to speak out about this injustice, and put a stop to embryonic stem cell research. When doing research on adult stem cells the altering of the cell gives these cells, the capacity to differentiate into any cell in the body allowing the scientists to clone any type of cells they need, but also allows for the cell to mutate into a cancer cell or another cell that carries disease. Scientists know little about the capabilities of stem cell research and the effects that this research may have. For these reasons using any stem cells to propagate differentiated human cells, tissues, or organs should be prohibited because these embryos are alive, and scientists cannot fully know the effects of this