...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...
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...Is Stem Cell Research Ethical? Reginald Lawrence Is it ethical for stem cells for the advancement of medical research? In the 1800s it was discovered certain cells could generate other cells. The 1900s brought upon more research in using stem cells. The ethical issue surrounding embryonic stem cells research arises because human embryos are destroyed in the process. I believe that the benefits outweigh the negatives and that a greater good can come out of using embryonic stem cells. The treatment of diseases and illnesses continually grows and improves. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to help rectify or even cure disease and illnesses that are thought to be incurable. However, the ethical battle over the sanctity of life rages on. Stem cells can be compared to the building blocks of the human body. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, they can develop into any other type of cell in the body. They are extracted from a cell before they differentiate. They have the capacity to make any of the 200 different cells in the body and can also self-renew or reproduce themselves. Currently, there are 89 stem cell lines, a family of constantly dividing cells, registered with the National Institute of Health (NIH). The first line was discovered in 1998. In 1996 Congress passed the Dickey-Wicker Amendment, which put restrictions on federally funding embryonic stem cell research if the embryo was created to be destroyed. In 2001, President Bush implemented guidelines to...
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...to God that one day she will be cured. With future research of stem cells, she can be cured. Stem cells are a large focus of research in today’s biomedical society. Stem cell research should be supported and funded by the United States. It is important for us alal to be informed with the reasons why stem cell research should be supported because it can save yours or someone you loves life in the future. Today I want to share with you all the background of stem cell research, the benefits of it, and how it can advance modern medicine. So what exactly is a stem cell you may ask? A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to turn in different specialized cells. The reasons why scientists have such a high interest in stem cells is because with the right practice these cells have the potential to cure diseases such as Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease, and can even be used to help treat patients with cardiovascular diseases. These cells are typically extracted from a four-day-old human embryo. Although embryonic stem cells are an essential focus and vital factor in finding cures for many diseases, unfortunately there are criticized aspects to stem cells as well. In order to obtain these cells the human embryo is destroyed. This causes a huge controversy in today’s political society and raises the question if stem cell research should be funded or not. While there are many people that are pro stem cell research, on the other hand many people are against it. Religious...
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...Stem Cell Research and the Utilitarian Principle Human Embryonic Stem Cell (HESC) Research offers hope in alleviating suffering from debilitating diseases and possibly death. HESC are characterized by their ability to self-renew and different into different types of cells (pluri-potency). The main goal of HESC Research is to identify which mechanism governs cell differentiation, and then turn the HESC into the specific cells types which may be used to treat various illnesses. The restorative benefits of HESC are strong factors in favor of the research. Despite the promise of HESC Research, many still oppose it because harvesting of HESC ultimately leads to the destruction of the human embryo. For many this constitutes a destruction of a potential human which is in conflict with religious and moral views in our society (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2008). The crux of the matter is thus; if viewed only in terms of consequences, one could argue that it is almost certain the potential health benefits of HESC outweigh the loss of embryos. However those in opposition of the research argue that it is morally impermissible to intentionally kill innocent human beings. The premise of their argument against destruction of the embryos is that embryos are human beings; but there is much debate about when human life actually begins. Utilitarianism and science are uniquely suited to each other in that the ‘greatest happiness’ principle of utilitarianism is similar...
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...ENGL 1010 Argumentative Paper: The use of embryonic stem cells for research. Stem cells are the center of large debates in today’s medical world. Stem cells are cells that are in an undifferentiated state and have the ability to transform into any kind of tissue depending on what the cells around them are. This ability to transform into any cell of the body makes them very interesting in medical research because they may have the ability to regenerate damaged human tissue. If adult stem cell research seems promising to cure some diseases, the research on embryonic stem cells seems unavoidable. That research is very controversial because those cells need to be taken from a live embryo; taking those cells will ultimately kill it. The embryonic stem cell research could lead the medical profession to find cures for diseases, giving hope to thousands of people, but is it worth killing a potential life for saving an existing one? Stem cells have a very high price (the lives of those embryos), but so many of those embryos may be destroyed anyway. Now, because the government does not want to take a real position on the problem, stem cell research is authorized as long as it does not use federal funds. Strict rules should be written encouraging research on stem cells but restricting the ways those embryos are collected, thereby allowing the United States to advance in modern medicine. Stem cells are cells that are undifferentiated. This means that they have no function yet; therefore...
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...Ethical Conflicts in Stem Cell Research Stem Cells research presents social and ethical concerns when it uses human embryos. In embryonic stem cell research, the early embryo has to be destroyed in order to obtain embryonic stem cell. And for some people, it means destroying a potential human life. From the utilitarian viewpoint, the benefits of stem cell research are greater than the ethical issues of destroying embryonic life, the end justifies the means. However, President Bush said, “While we must devote enormous energy to conquering disease, it is equally important that we pay attention to the moral concerns raised by the new frontier of human embryo stem cell research. Even the most noble ends do not justify any means,” and he vetoed embryonic stem-cell bill in 2006. A possible solution to the dilemma is in the latest research of adult stem cells that can be isolated and developed. With more successful research on the adult stem cells, “there may be no reason whatsoever to use embryonic stem cells. (1).” And also, researchers have discovered a novel reprogramming method of adult cells to create embryonic stem cells without embryo in 2014 (2). Embryonic stem cell research is unethical that destroying an embryo is like killing a child. Many believe that embryonic stem cells are living cells with a potential for life. But supporters argue that embryonic stem cell research can be used to find the cure for diabetes, heart disease, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease...
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...society through medical treatments. I believe this research will benefit medical science into further advancement. The human body contains more than 220 differentiation cell types that are acquired from a collection of cells that are referred to as embryonic stem cells. Furthermore, these cells originate from an embryo, within the inner cell mass of a blastocyst that is known to be five days old. Moreover, these cells are classified to be pluripotent, which can individualize inside any three layers of the germ. Thus, embryonic stem cells are able to reform relatively any part of the human body. In addition, these cells are capable of cloning endlessly. As a result, these cells can benefit in medicine for both regenerative medicine and medical research. Regenerative therapy is the process of reconstruction or substitution of new tissue developed with the supervision of embryonic stem cells caused by obscured and impaired tissue from a disease or injury. Therefore, when the stem cells are injected into the patient’s body, those cells locate to the injured area and begin to diffuse and expand by renewing the injured cells; thus, recovering the bodily functions in that area. A few of the illnesses that can be treated through the help of embryonic stem cells are genetic diseases, blindness, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, numerous cancers, type one diabetes, and etc. According to many scientific studies, an embryo is not considered human till it carries out human functions...
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...“Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to alleviate so much suffering. Surely, by working together we can harness its life-giving potential.” These words from the renowned former actress, Nancy Reagan, demonstrate the vast functions and significant impacts of stem cells in life. Stem cell research has come a long way since the nineteenth century as a cure for diseases and a savior of life. Most people view it as a method that aids researchers in advancing the use of embryos, however, stem cell research seems to have negative aspects as well. While using stem cells for treatments, it can involve the destruction of embryos, can lead to lethal side effects, and crosses ethical boundaries. Stem cell research has been an ethical dilemma...
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...medical research, disease treatment, and advanced quality of life has marked the turn of the century. Recent development in stem cell research has brought forth an ethical debate; whether research to achieve new medical remedies is permissible at the stake of, arguably, the unborn life of frozen embryos or if stem cell research should cease at the cost of disease stricken people worldwide to preserve an embryo that may never be born. 1. Massage (Articulate) the Problem: a) What is the current undesirable situation? Identify and define issues in the dilemma. The current undesirable situation pertaining to frozen embryo donation is the donor being forced to keep frozen embryos against their own discretion. It may be unfavorable to keep embryos frozen for an extended period of time because of the financial burden. To extract, freeze, and preserve embryos, clients can expect to pay an initial fee of approximately $10,000. According to USCFertility, client can also expect a storage fee of $500 per year and to thaw frozen embryos an additional payment of $5,000 is required (uscfertility.org). Another issue apart of this ethical dilemma is whether embryos are classified as a person or property. If assumed to be property, it is debatable whether preservation of embryos can be mandated. Lastly, and perhaps the most controversial component of this dilemma is defining “conception” to establish when life begins....
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...Embryonic stem cell research is a very controversial topic in society at this moment and there are many people who believe in the use and many who oppose the method. Embryonic stem cells can possibly be used to cure many of humanities common ailments because of their unique qualities in being able to grow into many different types of cells. With this capability we have the capability to restore failing organs and other diseases. The ethically controversial part of this topic is the method of retrieving such stem cells. Stem cells are derived from an embryo, which requires...
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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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...you, ever lost a limb? Then you may have heard of stem cell research. Embryonic stem cells have the amazing ability to theoretically grow back any body part. They have the potential to morph into any of the 220 cell types found in the body (Robinson 1). It has the restoration power capable of reestablishing functions of the body as well, such as eyesight. The drawback to stem cell research is that it requires baby fetuses to acquire the material. Stem cells differ from other cells in the body, as they are capable of dividing and rebuilding themselves for long durations of time. This is unlike muscle cells, blood cells, or nerve cells. They are not able to replicate themselves, while stem cells can do it many times. This means that if stem cells are kept in a laboratory over a long period of time, they can yield many other stem cells. Another property of stem cells is that they are unspecialized, meaning that they do not help with anything in the body. For example, they are not able to help the heart pump blood in the body. However, stem cells can become heart muscle cells and blood cells, which could do that function. A third property of stem cells is that they become specialized cells. This is called differentiation, when the stem cell morphs into a cell that will have a specific function in the body (Robinson 1). In the last five years, China has increased its research funding greatly in the field of stem cell research. They have been focusing mainly on bone marrow and embryonic...
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...Paul Youman Professor Galvez PHI 130 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...
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...Stem Cell Research Paper #1 It was 1998, when the method of obtaining stem cells from human embryos and growing them in a laboratory was discovered by scientists. These cells being grown were human embryonic stem cells, “…derived from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro — in an in vitro fertalization clinic—and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors,”(National Institutes of Health, 12, Nov. 2012).These embryos are created for reproductive purposes. Stem Cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body, fundamentally being the source of all external/ internal organs and tissues. When a stem cell divides, this new cell can either remain a stem cell or become another specialized type of cell, such as: a brain cell, red blood cell, or a muscle cell Although stem cells are unspecialized cells, sometimes after a long period of inactivity, they’re able to renew themselves through cell division. Due to the limitless benefits to medicine and human health, many Americans support stem cell research, considering this treatment as a workable option to treat many injuries, diseases, and malfunctions. This research offers a great amount of hope for the advancement of medicine, because stem cells can grow into any kind of cell, that can replace damaged neural cells in the brain and spinal cord. Pro-choicers reject the care of a pre-embryo, and suppose that even though an embryo can develop...
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...Mense Kathy Sullivan Bio-Medical Ethics 24 April 2015 Views on Embryonic Stem Cell Research and Abortion Embryonic stem cell research is a hot topic in ethics now. Even if someone does not understand what it is, they have most likely heard of it. Before learning about the moral issues of embryonic stem cell research in class I did not have much of an opinion on it; I now understand how the process is done and understand the ethical issues that come along with the research. After reading articles and obtaining information about the subject, I think that embryonic stem cell research should be federally funded to see if there is better treatment for medical conditions or even a cure that we have not discovered yet. If results cannot prove that using embryonic stem cells as beneficial, funding should be ceased and researchers can start researching another subject to study. At least we can say we tried. Embryonic stem cell research is not immoral, in my opinion, unless there is not consent of the mother to do research on her embryos and the mother is participating in research in order to abort a baby. Many mothers-to-be are participating in In-Vitro and many embryos are made for implantation and the embryos that are not used are medical waste. It is a shame that these embryos are going to waste when they could be used to benefit the whole population, or utilitarianism. As for the embryos that are being stored and frozen, use them and do not let them go to waste. Embryonic stem...
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