Stem cell research is a global topic within the science community. There have been numerous discoveries in this field worldwide, and these findings have many scientists jubilant about the possible future implications. Most of the research is associated with the topic of cloning. In the scientific community, the term cloning is broken down into two categories: Therapeutic and Reproductive. In Therapeutic Cloning, the nucleus of an unfertilized egg is removed and replaced via injection with the nucleus of a somatic cell, or any body cell. This technique is called Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer, or SCNT. Then, scientists use electricity or a source of stimuli to help the newly formed embryonic cell start its dividing process. After allowing the
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This debate of when life actually begins is a very tricky subject matter. Now technically, the embryonic stem cells do show signs of life, as they can divide or reproduce themselves, they grow, and have some responsiveness to the environment. However, while still in the stem cell state, they are not yet human beings. Human beings have certain characteristics, even in the fetal state. The biggest factor that separates human beings from fish, primates, or any other species is the way in which our brain works. Human beings have a complex brain, which connects to this vast nervous system, allowing us to feel pain, respond to stimuli, and solve critical problems. The brain is at the helm of all other systems, and without it, one could not function as a human being. Human beings also have hearts, which allow oxygen and nutrients to flow throughout the body via the blood. These are two vital structures that exist in all human beings. How then, could a collection of stem cells, be considered human beings? Now although it is true that in given time, these cells should form into a human being, it is not one yet. This “embryo” has no brain, no heart, and no organ whatsoever. It is a mere compilation of cells, which even in functional human beings are killed and replaced every day. People shed skin cells when they are sleep, hair cells are …show more content…
For one, I’m not sure if we’re in a world today where I fully trust the moral compass of those in charge, who would be the ones with access to this technology. For every advancement made in the scientific field is usually accompanied by people with ill-intentions who will try to find a way to militarize it. Then, when you take into account the rhetoric of the super-soldier, which was a motto used by Hitler and one which appears in many cinematic films, reproductive cloning could be a gateway into making that a reality. Also, I question how a clone would exist in today’s society. Although a clone would not be produced by the “natural reproductive process”, it would still be a human being. Yet, often their use is described as if they would be solely purposed as this science experiment, as if they would be devoid of feelings and freedom of choice, which is a fundamental human right. Thus, referring to them as second-class humans, or less than that, is morally wrong in my opinion, yet unavoidable given the technology. However, given that premise, I still do think there is a space for reproductive cloning. As a person who plans on having children in the future, I could not imagine what it would be like if I was told that this was not possible. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people on
This debate of when life actually begins is a very tricky subject matter. Now technically, the embryonic stem cells do show signs of life, as they can divide or reproduce themselves, they grow, and have some responsiveness to the environment. However, while still in the stem cell state, they are not yet human beings. Human beings have certain characteristics, even in the fetal state. The biggest factor that separates human beings from fish, primates, or any other species is the way in which our brain works. Human beings have a complex brain, which connects to this vast nervous system, allowing us to feel pain, respond to stimuli, and solve critical problems. The brain is at the helm of all other systems, and without it, one could not function as a human being. Human beings also have hearts, which allow oxygen and nutrients to flow throughout the body via the blood. These are two vital structures that exist in all human beings. How then, could a collection of stem cells, be considered human beings? Now although it is true that in given time, these cells should form into a human being, it is not one yet. This “embryo” has no brain, no heart, and no organ whatsoever. It is a mere compilation of cells, which even in functional human beings are killed and replaced every day. People shed skin cells when they are sleep, hair cells are …show more content…
For one, I’m not sure if we’re in a world today where I fully trust the moral compass of those in charge, who would be the ones with access to this technology. For every advancement made in the scientific field is usually accompanied by people with ill-intentions who will try to find a way to militarize it. Then, when you take into account the rhetoric of the super-soldier, which was a motto used by Hitler and one which appears in many cinematic films, reproductive cloning could be a gateway into making that a reality. Also, I question how a clone would exist in today’s society. Although a clone would not be produced by the “natural reproductive process”, it would still be a human being. Yet, often their use is described as if they would be solely purposed as this science experiment, as if they would be devoid of feelings and freedom of choice, which is a fundamental human right. Thus, referring to them as second-class humans, or less than that, is morally wrong in my opinion, yet unavoidable given the technology. However, given that premise, I still do think there is a space for reproductive cloning. As a person who plans on having children in the future, I could not imagine what it would be like if I was told that this was not possible. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many people on