“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 …show more content…
According to stem cell research opinion statistics, about seventy-two percent (including a huge number of Christians) believe the research should be allowed. Many think “if most scientists believe that stem cell research will greatly increase our ability to prevent or treat serious diseases we should trust them and let them do it” (Gardner). On the other hand, there are only twenty-eight percent who consider putting “the interests of medical science ahead of the preservation of human life, which includes human embryos” as unacceptable (Gardner). Along with advocates, many laws are being passed that come as big concerns in the field of preventing the spread of this controversial research. Strictly speaking, this study involves great support from Congress and presidents such as Bill Clinton, and the present president, Barack Obama. In 1994, Bill Clinton authorized the National Institute of Health to finance research and provided guidelines for researches using human stem cells (Dunn). This assistance allowed scientists and researchers to achieve their goals easier while the destruction of embryos was acceptable. So far, George W. Bush was the only president that opposed this research. Under his presidency, in 2001, in order to reduce the number of stem cells being used, he banned the federal funds for all stem cell research except for those certain cells that had …show more content…
However, it is not right to risk human life for the benefits of advancing scientific knowledge. Stem cell experiments show that the research is not always safe and often involves the destructions of human embryos at a ninety-nine percent rate (Weintraub). While some claim stem cell research is a “lifesaving therapy,” scientists still could not prove it by doing rather than just saying. In fact, scientists report it is hard to transplant and inject stem cells into patients because some rejections occur throughout progression (Weintraub). Side effects and tumor formations might take place at a high rate that later can lead to fatalities (Weintraub). The situation actually happened to an American woman when she had “stem cells from her nose implanted into her spine at a clinical trial in Portugal. The therapy failed, and eight years later, the woman had a tumor-like mass of nasal tissue surgically removed from the implant site,” (Weintraub). History indicates there is only a low rate of success while doing this research, and at the same time demonstrates that many lives are being wasted, including embryos and human lives. Seeing this consequence, one might seek answers for these questions: How can a loss of a life save a life? How can a majority of people support killing embryos for the vague promises that might not even result from the process? Despite the arguments brought to the surface, stem cell research