Stem-ulating Research
Michael Eldridge

Abstract
Stem cell research has the potential to be the next “big thing.” Stem cells have been around for a very long time, however the research is only a little over ten years old. Stem cells are tiny immature cells that can become any kind of cell in a person’s body. Like everything else in society today stem cell research comes with some controversy. Some controversy comes from the fact that aborted fetuses are used to get stem cells. As always there are at least two sides to every issue.

Imagine a world where almost every dangerous disease could be cured by a single medicine. This imagination can become reality with a small little stem cell. Stem cells potentially have the ability to cure cancer, birth defects, brain damage, learning disabilities, paralysis; the list goes on and on. A stem cell is a cell that can replicate itself and takes on the function of the cells around it. To understand stem cell research a background of its history is needed, along with a more in-depth explanation of what a stem cell is, and finally ethical issues associated with stem cell research. Although stem cells have been around for a long time, the research of stem cells is relatively new. In 1996 the Dickey-Wicker amendment was created and it prohibits the creation of embryos through government funding. Experiments on stem cells began in 1998 at the University of Wisconsin. “Dr. James Thomson at the University of Wisconsin developed a technique to isolate and grow the cells” (Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Research began in 2002 with the National Institutes of Health’s funds. Furthermore, politicians have found their way into the history of stem cell research. In 2001 “President George W. Bush opened the door a tiny crack” (“Stem Cells,”2010) by allowing tax payer money to be used on the stem cell clinics (lines) that already exist. Early in 2009, “President Obama Issued an executive order… making it clear that the government supports stem-cell research” (“Stem Cells,”2010). This executive order ended all limits that were on the funding of stem cell research. The history of stem-cell research is interesting; even more fascinating is what a stem cell is. Moving on to what a stem cell actually is. A stem cell is a cell early in life; that currently has no assigned job or task. Another way stem cells are different from other cells is; “Most other cells have a very limited number of cell divisions, and these cells though; have this property they can divide indefinitely” (2001). This phrase explains them perfectly “They serve as a sort of internal repair system” (Department of Health and Human Services, 2011). Stem cells can be replicated in a lab, assigned a function, then injected into a person’s organs, tissues, etc. Continuing with where stem cells can be obtained, and there possible uses. Stem cells can be obtained from human embryos, aborted fetuses, umbilical cord blood, and in various human tissue (adult stem cells). However, adult stem cells from human tissue are not as effective as stem cells from other places. Possible uses of stem cells include ability to create tissue and organs, safe and effective way to test medicine/drugs, and injections to certain areas of the body. The fact that stem cells can be, and are obtained from human embryos has led to some controversy. However promising stem cell research is, the only thing hindering it is the possibility of it be unethical. Former President Bush addresses the controversy “Embryonic stem cell research offers both great promise, and great peril; so I have decided we must proceed with great care” (2001). The only controversy that comes with stem cell research is the use and destruction of human embryos, and the suggestion that stem cell research may lead to higher abortion rates. The only human embryos that are used are ones that will eventually be discarded one way or another. Since aborted fetuses are used in stem cell research, some say it will lead to higher abortion rates. This belief is inconclusive and can be better described as a wild guess, or one of many possibilities. All in all stem cell research can potentially save an absurd amount of lives. Research has been going on for just over a decade, and already advancements have been made; which gives it a very promising future. A stem cell is like a tiny miracle waiting to happen. There are several ways to get stem cells, some more controversial than others. Ethical issues are existent, but can be resolved with more information. It is amazing how much a person’s point of view changes when it is their life that could be saved.

References
Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health. (2011). Stem cell information Bethesda, MD: Retrieved from stemcells.nih.gov
Stem cells. (2010, September 10). The New York Times, Retrieved from http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/health/diseasesconditionsandhealthtopics/stemcells/index.html
(2001). Weighing the decision: the ethics and science of stem cell research [Web]. Available from http://digital.films.com.bakerezproxy.palnet.info/featuredvideos.aspx