...Embryonic Stem Cell Research Almost everyone in the world knows someone who has suffered because of disease. All people whose lives have been devastated by disease have asked or hoped for a cure. What everyone should know is that a cure is possible, but some beliefs are stopping cures from being found. Embryonic stem cell research could provide solutions to medical illnesses that scientists and doctors have been searching for for years. However, certain belief systems argue that an embryo is a person, and destroying an embryo for research is murder. The essential question concerning stem cell research is summed up by this quote from President Bush, “"As I thought through this issue I kept returning to two fundamental questions," Bush stated in an address to the nation. "First, are these frozen embryos human life and therefore something precious to be protected? And second, if they're going to be destroyed anyway, shouldn't they be used for a greater good, for research that has the potential to save and improve other lives?"” (Update: Stem Cell Research). Embryonic stem cell research is a valid, ethical form of medical research that the United States should fund because it has the potential to cure many diseases, an embryo is not equivalent to a human being, the embryos used will be destroyed even without the research, and the United States will fall behind other nations in biomedical research progress. There are many medical problems that can be solved through stem cell...
Words: 2739 - Pages: 11
...RESEARCH TOPIC: What Makes Most Christians fundamentalist opposed to Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research? RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Scientists have the view that, the use of Human Embryonic Stem Cell will help to cure some diseases like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and several medical disorders sickness. If this is true, then why are the Christian fundamentalist opposing a research that many people believe it is going to save many lives? Are the Christian fundamentalist using their religious belief or their educational (scientific) knowledge in supporting their argument? Have they conducted any research to find out any harmful effect that Embryonic Stem Cell will bring to people? THREE SOURCES FOR THE RESEARCH Richard M. Doer flinger, Old...
Words: 832 - Pages: 4
...Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Felicitous or Unscrupulous DANGEROUS KNOWLEDGE In Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Dr. Frankenstein's monster is a threat to society therefore, Victor owes it to humanity to act as a safeguard. With the rise in embryonic stem cell research (ESCR), the creators owe society protection as well. In order to combat damage to cells, human embryonic stem cells are used as transplants however, this new technology faces backlash for ethical concerns. THE STUDY OF STEM CELLS, BIRTH DEFECTS, AND DRUG TESTING The most common use of ESCs is dedicated to understanding how these cells work with the purpose of treating “diseases ranging from heart disease to Parkinson's disease to leukemia”(Yu and Thomson). Researchers are also...
Words: 665 - Pages: 3
...Embryonic Stem Cell Research In 1998, the world was introduced to the start of embryonic stem cell research. It has since been the topic of a heated debate between politicians, religious figures, ethicists, theologians and scientists. It raises the question of whether or not the ends justify the means. Many people seem to have a different answer to this question but the overall response from a Catholic position, from an individual and Catholic Church standpoint is loud and clear: embryonic stem cell research is immoral. The sanctity of life is held in high regard in the Catholic tradition, therefore making embryonic stem cell research morally wrong. To justify this, it is important to consider whether or not an embryo is a human from perspectives that are for and against this research, and their justifications. Whilst there is no united Catholic view, drawing from traditional ethics and Catholic principles can give an estimate of the overall Catholic perspective on the treatment of human embryos as opposed to the foreseen medical benefits on the other end of the spectrum. In a broad sense, the use of human embryos is unjustifiable and wrong in the eyes of the Catholic community, no matter how promising the benefits are as it involves the killing of an embryo, and thus by extension, can be regarded as murder. “We value the preciousness of life…as far as IVF embryos are concerned, those who have the responsibility make those decisions, have already made an important ethical decision…the...
Words: 2225 - Pages: 9
...25 February 2015 The consequences of Human Embryonic Stem cell Research To say there are a few topics or ideas out there which cause both scientific and moral arguments is an understatement. Arguably, one of the most divisive scientific advances of the twentieth century and likely an advance with the most potential to improve the wellbeing of mankind; is met with an equal amount of derision and moral objection. The human embryo is nothing more than a mass of stem cells, or cells without specific function, yet. The embryo isn’t likely to have feelings or sense of awareness, but it is how every human starts life and if given roughly 14 days in the womb, would develop the beginnings of a heart, brain and...
Words: 1737 - Pages: 7
...Embryonic stem cell research has been a topic of controversy since the 1980’s when the practice started. Originally this type of research was banned by the federal government, but in 2009 Obama lifted the federal ban and allowed some funding. This type of research has not been accepted by American law or as a common convention. Stem cells have the ability to develop into many different types of cells such as nerve cells, cardiac cells, and liver cells and have regenerate to replace damaged cells. Stem cell research can be so beneficiary to lives and be an extraordinary scientific achievement. The problem is not many people agree. In this type of situation there is no in between the two arguments. Stem cell research should be permitted because...
Words: 1181 - Pages: 5
...unearthed ways to derive embryonic stem cells from mice, eventually gaining the knowledge to extract them from humans, in 1998. Embryonic stem cell research is when an egg and sperm cell is obtained from a donor, mixed in a Petri dish, and the egg is fertilized to produce a stem cell line for research.The scientists begin this process by conducting in vitro fertilization, or an egg being fertilized out of the womb, and into a lab setting. A stem cell is essentially a “blank” cell, that’s capable of becoming another more differentiated cell type in the body, such as a skin cell, a muscle cell, or a nerve cell. In this case, a host cell where the embryo can prosper and grow to be used later on for research. In humans, mice, and other mammals, the embryo is a ball of approximately one hundred cells at this stage. Although embryonic stem cell research has great potential in deciphering the cause behind puzzling disorders such as Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's, and heart infractions,...
Words: 771 - Pages: 4
...Ron Kind said, “More important is the fact that embryonic stem cell research could lead to new treatments and cures for the many Americans afflicted with life-threatening and debilitating diseases." Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research is greatly debated between religious and scientific groups. “Killing the embryo” or scientific research to figure out how to save others, regrow bad organs, and solve the mysteries of many diseases. Embryonic cell research may sound like a horrible ordeal but could help us solve many issues that are dealt with today. First off there is the fact that we should probably understand what it is. Embryonic stem cells are the cells of the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which is an early-stage embryo. Human embryos reach the blastocyst stage 4-5 days post...
Words: 827 - Pages: 4
...Embryonic Stem Cell Research: Its Pros and Cons Because of its concept, embryonic stem cell research has become a hot topic in debates among scientific researchers, moral activists, religious groups and governments. It is a relatively a new science that holds medical treatments for many debilitating diseases and disorders affecting people today. But like other new scientific technologies, it is also believed to potentially do harm. To get a good insight about this type of research, let us take a look at some of its pros and cons. List of Pros of Embryonic Stem Cell Research 1. It can help treat many diseases. As scientists direct the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific cell types, they will be able to use the resulting differentiated cells to treat certain diseases, which include diabetes, traumatic spinal cord injury, Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy, heart diseases, and vision and hearing loss. It is also claimed to have the potential...
Words: 556 - Pages: 3
...Emma Johnson English 3 22/1/17 Embryonic Stem cell research paper Stem cells, the argument between. There has been great controversy over whether or not stem cells should be allowed to be used in research. The greatest problem we run into over this is where the stem cells actually come from. The cells come from embryos that are 3-5 days old. This creates the problem of safety for both the unborn child and the mother. “When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as a muscle cell, a red blood cell, or a brain cell.” (Stem) The National institute of health made the remark of how stem cells can be used. They are unspecified cells, this means that they can become almost any type of cell. Although, it is considered unethical to extract these cells from unborn children, they could be useful to many. These cells could be a huge improvement for cancer patients of even trauma patients to help repair damages to their bodies....
Words: 467 - Pages: 2
...Rebuttal: Empty Promise of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Maurice Gooden BCOM 275 April 24, 2012 Todd Brenton Rebuttal to Embryonic stem cell research There has been much debate over the controversial topic of embryonic stem cell research as it pertains to its morality. Many supporters of pro-life and various religious followers compare this research to murder because of their belief that human life starts from conception. On the other hand, scientists and researchers want to use these cultures of cells and make good use of this science for the greater advancement in modern medicine. It is hard to sway either ideology because there is no hard written documentation that outlines the contingency of this concept. There are many opinionated articles that touch on this subject and its morality. Prime example comes from an article written by Mike Pence in the Christianity Times. Throughout much of this article, there is use of subtle scare tactic, and rationalizing. He states, “Millions of pro-life Americans believe that life is sacred, and I along with them was deeply troubled by President Obama's executive order eliminating restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research not only because it destroys human life, but particularly because it ignores the advances that have been made in adult stem-cell research.” (Pence, 2009). He is leading us to believe that this step toward medical science will be worthless, and in the process destroying potential life from these embryos. However...
Words: 669 - Pages: 3
...Is Embryonic Stem Cell Research Ethical? The introduction and expansion of embryonic stem cell research initiated a highly debated ethical topic. Can our society agree to disagree? What are embryonic stem cells? What are stem cells? Is all stem cell research considered abortion? Debates surrounding embryonic stem cell research is further complicated by social standards and needs, religious beliefs, and personal morals. In November of 1998, a group of researchers announced that they had successfully isolated and grown a special kind of cell with the potential to develop into virtually any kind of human tissue. The scientists had made the discovery of embryonic stem cells. The discovery was considered to be an innovative experience with immeasurable capabilities in the field of biological research. The research experts and scientific community believed the new discovery could lead to new methods of drug development, improve understanding of biology, and aid in the advancement of tissue and organ transplantation. They realized that there would be legal, ethical, political, and technical obstacles to overcome, but they never envisioned the “sleeping giant” that was woken due to this historic discovery in science. Stem cells are classified into two main types: embryonic stem cells and adults stem cells. Embryonic stem cells come from embryos that have developed from eggs that have been fertilized by male sperm or in a petri dish in a lab by artificial insemination...
Words: 951 - Pages: 4
...Claim: Embryonic stem-cell research is not ethical because it kills them, it relies on killing young life, others complain against such research on medical grounds, and it wastes resources that could be more wisely spent on grown up stem-cell research and real treatments for patients. The first reason that embryonic stem-cell research is not ethical. Is that according to the article Embryonic Stem Cell Research: experts debate pros and cons, “Other say it kills them.” Because in a scientific way to say it is that the removal of stem cells from this type of embryo requires its destruction. In a simple way, it requires that a human life to be killed. That is another reason that embryonic stem-cell research isn’t ethical. The second reason...
Words: 403 - Pages: 2
...Stem Cell Research Stem cell research has been happening for 30 or more years through bone marrow transplants, but has only been a major debate for about the past ten years with the first isolation of embryonic stem cells (UMichigan). According to a popular issues website the definition of stem cells is, "… contrasted with "differentiated" cells. They offer much hope for medical advancement because of their ability to grow into almost any kind of cell” (Pros and Cons…). One of the main debates is between stem cell research and religious views. Some religions such as branches Christianity believe that obtaining and using embryonic stem cells is a sin and should not be used for research or otherwise. Even though I identify as a Christian, I believe that stem cells should be utilized, as long as an egg is not fertilized only for the use of stem cells. One reason many people don’t agree with embryonic stem cell research is that they believe that scientists use embryos that have started to develop into babies. This is a myth (UMichigan). Scientists fertilize an egg in a dish, and use it 5 days after the fertilization when the embryo only contains about 100 cells, none of which are specialized (UMichigan). The embryo is no larger than a period at the end of a sentence (UMichigan). This embryo, although beginning to form, has no heart, no spine, no limbs, and no systems (UMichigan). If this was known by more people, then many people may change their minds about stem cell...
Words: 970 - Pages: 4
...Stem Cell Research Legislation Stem Cell Research Legislation In the United States, people have many rights and freedoms that are respected by the Federal Government. As stated in Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau: “There will never be a truly free and enlightened state until the state comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power” (225). In the goal to make America a truly free and enlightened state, laws have been enacted to preserve individual rights. With the furthering of medical science, the issue of individual rights vs. government regulation has been raised many times, and the right of the individual has always been held in the highest regard. This is why our government should both legalize and fund embryonic stem cell research. Stem cell laws in the United States have had a complicated legal history. When you look at the government’s power over our individual bodies, one may ask why the government has any power at all. If the majority of the public were to decide what each individual should do in every aspect of their life, our democratic system would be nullified. Our laws are written to recognize individuals’ capability to make their own decisions. We have the right to donate our organs, and that it is our choice. We have the right to donate our entire bodies to science postmortem, and that is our choice. Couples have the right to donate their eggs and sperm for in-vitro fertilization of another couple, and that is their choice...
Words: 1454 - Pages: 6
