Stem Cell Research

Introduction

Over the last several years stem cell research has been a hot topic of debate. Scientists have beliefs that the use of stem cells could be used to cure currently incurable diseases. The moral and ethical dilemma that comes from the use of stem cells derives from how stem cells are obtained. embryonic Stem cells (ES) come from human embryos and embryonic Germ Cells (EG) are taken from 5 - 9 week old aborted fetuses. (Agnew? pp.45-50)

Ethical/Political Dilemma

A widespread controversy over human embryonic stem cell research is present that emanates from the methods used in the usage and creation of stem cells. New research of the 21st century is not getting done because of the tangled web bureaucrats are making of embryonic research. Not only is there much confusion in the government but the general public has put a damper on research as well. As it stands right now scientists find it to be too much work to put together a proposal for the research of stem cells only to find out it might be made illegal. In 2001? President Bush said that scientists that receive federal funds could only work with a handful of stem cell lines? those that were created before August 9? 2001. Because of limited supply of stem cells given for research? scientists came up with the idea of cloning stem cells. This process could be the answer the government? public and scientists are looking for because it does not involve replenishing human embryos and fetuses for research. Researchers of stem cell research have been getting turned off to cloning of stem cells because congress has threatened making this process illegal. (Green? pp.23-50)

The ethical implications of stem cell research derive from religious beliefs. These people believe that the government should not fund programs that kill innocent life. They believe that when the 6-8 day old embryo has the same rights as a full term baby and killing that embryo does not justify the greater good.

Pro Side Analysis

“embryonic stem cell research is morally permissible because? although embryos deserve respect? they are not morally equivalent to human beings.” (Moreno? pp.65-88)emotion is the leading factor to why there are so many arguments about the research of embryonic stem cell. Some feel that the embryo is part of the human life so by destroying it for research purposes it is morally wrong. Although some feel that it is morally wrong? there are some who still agrees with the research to help cure the vast disease that medicine alone cannot. (Agnew? pp.45-50)

“God guided our researchers to discover the stem cell's power to heal.” (Moreno? pp.65-88)Researchers have been testing and found that stem cells can save a human life. It is known to treat diseases like Parkinson's disease? Alzheimer's? Multiple Sclerosis? Strokes? Heart disease? liver disease? pancreas disease? and arthritis. It has already been used to heal? for example: the bone marrow cells from the hipbone were used to repair the scar tissue on the heart. Stem cells are derived from ...