Embryonic Stem Cell Research can Save Lives

Introduction

Embryonic stem cells come from human embryos at the earliest stages of its development, just days after fertilization. These cells are called "pluripotent": they can replicate indefinitely (self-renewal), proliferate in culture and differentiate into more than 200 types of tissues.

During development, they have potential to form all tissues of the body. They could indeed be a permanent reservoir of cells to repair the damaged or diseased organs. In some cases they might even replace organ transplantation. (Horng, 16)

The uses of these cells are following;

They could help in the progression of science,

They have the potential to cure diseases,

Plenty of these cells are available, they don't only come from abortion patients

Background

Just last decade, a line of embryonic stem (ES) cells was performed for the first time ever by an American team. Since then, research on human ES cells has stopped growing, due in considerable therapeutic issues they raise. Nevertheless, the vitality of this area of research has faced a major obstacle in its path: the legislation, which prohibited in many countries, access to human embryonic cells called "supernumerary", from the vitro fertilization and doomed to destruction. (Zavos, 14) In France, the researchers had to wait for the end of 2004 to obtain the necessary waivers to be able to work on human embryonic cells. Since then, several teams were formed and developed several projects with the desire to catch up by France in recent years.

Opposing position

The controversy over stem cell is an ethical debate on research of creation, use and destruction of embryonic stem cells. Opposition to the research says that this practice can lead to cloning and mainly to the devaluation of human life. Conversely, medical research believe it is necessary to proceed with the investigations of embryonic stem cells because the resultant technologies could have great medical potential, and that excess embryo created by in vitro fertilization can be donated for research. This in turn, caused conflicts with the Pro-Life Movement (Pro-Life), which awarded the protection of human embryos. The ongoing debate has led authorities around the world seek regularly in the work and mark the fact that investigations of embryonic stem cells represent a social and ethical challenge. (Nombela, 34)

According to many religions and ethical systems, life begins at fertilization. They claim that any intentional action to halt the development after conception is considered as the destruction of human life. Other critics have no moral problem with stem cell research, but are afraid of a precedent for human experimentation. (Nombela, 34) Some critics support the idea of research, but want to impose strict laws to prevent genetic testing, such as cloning and to ensure that only embryos obtained through appropriate sources. Prevent stem cell research becomes a slippery slope to human genetic experiments is considered by most of society an important point in the stem cell controversy. (Zavos, 14)

The discussions have led the Pro-Life movement, which is concerned with the rights and the status of a human embryo as an ...