...operations in various hospitals. Commercializing human part for transplantation has also seen an increase in demand for sperms, hair, plasma, eggs, among others. Even so, there are arguments for and against the commercialization of human organs such as marrow, kidney, and sundry, with both sides of the arguments facing criticism. It is imperative to investigate ethical aspects regarding commercialization of human organs. To reach a conclusion on whether it is ethical or unethical, this paper summarizes both sides of the argument and later presents a moral argument and rationale for commercialization of transplants. Without commercialization, there would be few potential donors willing to give out their organs to a dying patient who needs the specific organ urgently, which is contrary to human dignity. This is the moral argument in this report. Arguments for commercialization In 2009, a group of cancer patients, bone-marrow donation advocates, and parents filled a lawsuit against the US government. The federal law had banned buying and selling of human organs. One of the parents had three daughters suffering from a blood disorder called Fanconi anemia, whose treatment was bone-marrow transplant. In their argument, the plaintiffs maintained that many patients would die waiting from ailments that would otherwise be avoided through immediate transplants. They further argued that paying people for the donation of their marrow would ensure a greater and more reliable supply of it. The...
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...treatment. Patients have two choices in transplants autologous or allogeneic. In an autologous transplant stem cells are collected from the patient and then given back to them at a later date after the body has been properly prepared for transplantation. In an allogeneic transplant stem cells are collected from a donor, related or unrelated to the patient, then transplanted into the patient. Stem cells can be collected in two different ways. One way is via bone marrow and the other is via peripheral blood. The donor’s or patient’s bone marrow is collected from the pelvis, femur or sternum, though the pelvis is the most common, and then infused into the patient via a central line. In a peripheral blood stem cell collection the donor or the patient has their stem cells collected via a central line in a process called apheresis. This can take multiple collections to ensure enough stem cells for transplantation. Both procedures need to be meticulously planned and all support medications given to ensure successful collection. There are many cancers that stem cell transplants are commonly used for. Multiple myeloma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease and chronic myelogenous leukemia are more commonly treated with transplantation. Each of these cancers has a different success rate, some have a higher success rates than with chemotherapy alone. Proper preparation is important for stem cell transplants. All patients undergo chemotherapy...
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...Sickle Cell Disease is an illness that affects people all across the globe. This paper will give a description of the sickness through the discussion of the causes, symptoms, and possible cures. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a "group of inherited red blood cell disorders."(1) These disorders can have various afflictions, such as pain, damage and a low blood count--Sickle Cell Anemia. Sickle cell disease is the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. Approximately 80,000 Americans have the disease. In the United States, sickle cell disease is most prevalent among African Americans. About one in 12 African Americans and about one in 100 Hispanic Americans carry the sickle cell trait, which means they are carriers of the disease. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin-Beta gene found on chromosome 11. Hemoglobin transports oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Red blood cells with normal hemoglobin (hemoglobin-A) are smooth and round and glide through blood vessels. In people with sickle cell disease, abnormal hemoglobin molecules - hemoglobin S - stick to one another and form long, rod-like structures. These structures cause red blood cells to become stiff, assuming a sickle shape. Their shape causes these red blood cells to pile up, causing blockages and damaging vital organs and tissue. Sickle cells are destroyed rapidly in the bodies of people with the disease, causing anemia. This anemia is what gives the disease...
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...functioning and often means the difference between life and death. Many people have misconceptions regarding organ donation and simply do not understand the facts. Some do not realize the vast numbers on waiting lists and how simply becoming a donor could save the life of another. Others may be apprehensive about making a decision about their bodies after death. In this paper we explain the origins and history of organ donation, the process by which organs are donated, the ethical implications behind organ donation and discuss many of the proposed solutions to solve the organ shortage issue. HISTORY OF ORGAN DONATION The origins of organ donation arose with several experimental transplants. The first successful transplant was a bone transplant in 1878, which used a bone from a cadaver. (14) Experimentally, bone marrow transplants began by giving patients bone marrow orally after meals to cure leukemia. This had no effect, but later when they used intravenous injections to treat aplastic anemia, there was some effect (14). One development that largely aided organ donation was the discovery of blood groups in the early 20th century. The first recorded kidney transplant was in 1909 and was a rabbit kidney inserted into a child suffering from kidney failure. The child died after two weeks (8). The first human to human kidney transplantation was in 1936 and failed. The first successful kidney transplant wasn't until 1954 and was between two identical twins. Soon after, heart...
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...of waiting. They died while waiting for a much needed organ donation to replace their failing organ. For days, weeks even months they had hoped to receive news that somebody, somewhere had selflessly volunteered to donate their organs upon their death to another human being living on borrowed time. That news never came and time ran out. Perfectly good organs were buried with another non-donor who had no use for them anyhow because that person was already dead, yet without agreeing to give up their organs upon their death another life will be lost. Everyone can help to save lives by donating your vital organs after you have passed away. You will have no further need for them and I promise, you won’t even notice they are gone. How do you feel when you have to wait for something you really, really want? What if it was something you couldn’t live without? Nearly 80,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Hundreds of thousands more would benefit from a life enhancing tissue transplant. Each day, averages of 75 people receive organ transplants. However, averages of 20 people die each day waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs. Every eleven minutes another name is added to an organ donation list. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. Well, my sister was ten years old when she found out she needed a new kidney. She went on the organ waiting list right away. She was called twice during a six month...
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...near future. People on one hand are becoming so desperate for life saving transplants, and on the other hand people are looking to make a profit from buying or stealing organs and selling them on the black market. Organ trafficking is already an issue in third world countries, and will become a problem in the United States before we know it. The history of human organ transplant dates back further than most people would think. The curiosity of transplant dates back before modern medicine, in 9th century BC where individuals sewed animal parts together. In 4th century BC, Chinese texts describe Tsin Yue-Jen, a surgeon who switches the hearts of two people. This is the first documentation of a human transplant. In 1878, the first bone to bone transplant took place. In 1909, the first recorded animal to human kidney transplant took place (Bindel). The animal that was used was a rabbit. This was a huge success but the patient died two weeks later. When people think of organ transplants they think of people waiting and dying on the transplant list for a organ that is suitable for...
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...cells are found in the bone marrow and are the source of all kinds of blood cells, including white and red blood cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are the source of all bone cells including cartilage, fat cells, and tendons. Neural stem cells are the source of all neurons as well as two kinds of cells that support nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Epidermal stem cells are found beneath the skin and at the base of hair follicles.”(Kohn). These stem cells help replace old or dead cells. Now we move on to what these stem cells can do for...
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...wait months, even years for a match, and far too many die before they are provided with a suitable organ. There are many stigmas related to organ donation, but most of them are relatively false, and in order to be well informed, you must know what organ donation is, how it works as well as how you can become an organ donor and what organs or tissues you can donate. Becoming an organ donor after death is not only an important decision for yourself, but it is also an important decision for the life that you may have the power to save. Body: * Main Point 1- What organ donation is and how it works 1. Organ donation takes healthy organs and tissues from one person for transplantation into another. Organs you can donate include: kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs, skin, bone, bone marrow, and cornea (the front part of the eye). [source: medlineplus.com] 2. Organ donations usually occur for patients with kidney failure, heart disease, lung disease, and cirrhosis of the liver. For patients who need a kidney or a liver, a living donor’s organs can be utilized, since we are already born...
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...forced to wait months, even years for a match, and far too many die before they are provided with a suitable organ. There are many stigmas related to organ donation, but most of them are relatively false, and in order to be well informed, you must know what organ donation is, how it works as well as how you can become an organ donor and what organs or tissues you can donate. Becoming an organ donor after death is not only an important decision for yourself, but it is also an important decision for the life that you may have the power to save. Main Point 1- What organ donation is and how it works Organ donation takes healthy organs and tissues from one person for transplantation into another. Organs you can donate include: kidneys, heart, liver, pancreas, intestines, lungs, skin, bone, bone marrow, and cornea (the front part of the eye). Organ donations usually occur for patients with...
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...Recent advances in human stem cell research have not only generated enormous enthusiasm on the part of researchers and optimistic predictions of revolutionary advances in biomedicine, but have also sparked considerable ethical and emotional public debate. There has been much controversy in the press about pros and cons of stem cell research . The important question to think about is Why the prospect of stem cell therapy has been greeted not as an innovation to be welcomed but as a threat to be resisted? The enormous capabilities of stem cells announce the beginning of an extraordinary advanced field of medicine that can help to cure deadly diseases . The present method , however, destroys human blastocyst that gives rise to intense controversy. (Monroe, Miller, & Tobis , 2008, p. 1) Stem cell controversy is the ethical debate centered on research involving the creation, usage and destruction of human embryonic stem cells. Around the world, many people believe that human embryo research , including the deliberate creation of embryos for valid research or clinical purposes , is wrong . Due to the controversy , some people argues that we should allow stem cell research but some of them are not in favour of stem cell research . According to S Holm , the author of Going to the Roots of Stem Cell Controversy, “A stem cell is a non – differentiated cell that can divide and multiply in its undifferentiated state, but which can also give rise to more specialized...
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...Research paper on Stem Cell Research Legislation and the related legal issues: What is the history of Stem Cell Research Legislation in the United States? How does it compare to comparable statutes in the rest of the world? In this paper talk about what the current legislative state of affairs is and where the law on stem cells in the United States should go in the future and why. Make sure you use ample research and cited sources to support your arguments but make sure to state your own opinion on the issues as well. Stem Cell Research TJ AS OF: 2/4/2009--Introduced. Stem Cell Research Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) prior to donation, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and received no financial or other inducements. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of...
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...If stem cell research is able to cure so many terrible illnesses that afflict a numerous amount of the different populations on earth, then I am one hundred percent for it. I support stem cell research for multiple reasons, which are the saving of lives, cures for diseases, and the ability of the cells to test the effectiveness of different medications. There are many people that are still alive today due to the use of stem cells. Townsend speaks about a woman who suffered from multiple Myeloma, and that the cancer attacked her bones so severely that they “looked like someone used them for target practice,” (Townsend). The chemotherapy destroyed her cancerous immune system making her extremely weak. Doctors at Syracuse Upstate Medical Hospital resorted into giving the woman cells obtained from her own blood. The cells traveled through her bloodstream into her bone marrow, establishing a new, cancer-free immune system. The stem cells are the reason why she is alive to this day. Stem cells have the capability to cure and treat various diseases because they have the ability to form into any kind of tissue. According to Tavangaran, “stem cells have the potential of treating and curing dozens, if not hundreds of diseases. These types of diseases include degenerative genetic...
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...new results were found during the experiment of trying to clone stem cells. This led to the experiment that led to the cloning of Dolly the sheep in 1997. It used a cloning technique called that scientist have been trying to memorize and resulted in an animal that was a genetic twin. This technique can also be used to produce a stem cell from which cells called embryonic stem cells could be extracted to use in research into potential therapies for a wide variety of diseases. The diseases they are hopefully cure or give therapeutic help to is Parkinson’s and Alztimers disease. Introduction Stem cell cloning has been the overall climax for scientific research. Stem cell cloning has evolved ever since they found out what stem cells could do if they were cloned properly. Based on my research, the assumption that cloning stem cells can help mankind appear to be true. Throughout my research on cloning of stem cells I got the idea that if stem cells were cloned that they can cure common diseases such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s. They need to practice on getting the cloning down right before even trying it on a human. They want to continue research on how to clone stems cells to help mankind improve their life by helping cure known diseases. The scientist used a sheep named Dolly for their practice of cloning stem cells. They successfully cloned Dolly’s stem cells making their confidence shoot through the roof thinking they are capable of cloning human stem cells. I read and observed...
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...STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPYAND ITS IMPACTS ON SOCIETY Abstract There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must be analyzed is the economics and who should have access to this treatment. The views of people and government on this research differ greatly across the world. There are countries that have very strict laws restricting this research while others take an extremely liberal stance. Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Its Impacts on Society Introduction Stem cells are the basic unit of life that gives rise to all living things. They are the undifferentiated cells that transform into the specialized cells that make up all of the tissues in organisms. With further research and understating, these cells can be used in medicine to cure a wide range of diseases. The most important type of stem cell to humans is the pluripotent stem cell which is usually obtained from human embryos. This has sparked controversy in many aspects of human life. In this paper, we will concentrate on animal and human stem cell research, and its impact on society. A Brief Description Of The Technology And An Explanation Of The Associated...
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...BIO 1 Paper Stem Cells Research WHAT ARE STEM CELLS? * Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide through mitosis and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types or can self renew to produce more stem cells. * In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in various tissues. * In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenished in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues. Properties The classical definition of a stem cell requires the following properties: * Self-renewal - the ability to go through numerous cycles of cell division while maintaining the undifferentiated state. * Potency - the capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types. In the strictest sense, this requires stem cells to be either totipotent or pluripotent - to be able to give rise to any mature cell type, although multipotent or unipotent progenitor cells are sometimes referred to as stem cells. In Self-Renewal.. Two mechanisms exist to ensure that the stem cell population is maintained: * Obligatory asymmetric replication - a stem cell divides into one father cell that is identical...
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