...Scientific research has come a long way since the first use of human embryos to treat and prevent diseases. The polio vaccine was invented in the 1950’s from the use of human fetal kidney cells, fetuses in uteri were used to develop techniques like amniocenteses and improving knowledge about congenital heart disease in the 1970’s, and in the 1980’s the transplantation of fetal tissue into adults to help with serious conditions like, diabetes or Parkinson’s (Gold, 2004). While there has always been concern and controversy over the use of human embryonic cells, today the debate is ethical. This ethical debate lies within the destruction of human embryos in order to use them for medical research. This paper will talk about how two different theories; utilitarianism and relativism view this ethical issue and the problem it presents, as well as my personal views on use of embryonic stem cell research. The theory of utilitarianism determines what is best by looking at the results of an act. According to Mosser (2010, section 1.7), “utilitarianism argues that, given a set of choices, the act we should choose is that which produces the best results for the greatest number affected by that choice.” When looking at the use of embryonic stem cells for research, utilitarianism looks at the end result. Embryonic stem cells have the potential to save lives by curing diseases and through the use of transplantation. While some utilitarianism’s may still view the destruction of these cells as the...
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...Stem Cell Research Legislation Stem Cell Research Legislation In the United States, people have many rights and freedoms that are respected by the Federal Government. As stated in Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau: “There will never be a truly free and enlightened state until the state comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power” (225). In the goal to make America a truly free and enlightened state, laws have been enacted to preserve individual rights. With the furthering of medical science, the issue of individual rights vs. government regulation has been raised many times, and the right of the individual has always been held in the highest regard. This is why our government should both legalize and fund embryonic stem cell research. Stem cell laws in the United States have had a complicated legal history. When you look at the government’s power over our individual bodies, one may ask why the government has any power at all. If the majority of the public were to decide what each individual should do in every aspect of their life, our democratic system would be nullified. Our laws are written to recognize individuals’ capability to make their own decisions. We have the right to donate our organs, and that it is our choice. We have the right to donate our entire bodies to science postmortem, and that is our choice. Couples have the right to donate their eggs and sperm for in-vitro fertilization of another couple, and that is their choice...
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...Great Stem Cell Debate Stem cells have promised to be the new breakthrough in medicine; promising cures for diseases such as diabetes, macular degeneration, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injuries. With all the potential stem cells have, why are we not using them to alleviate suffering for people? There is actually a lot of pushback on the use of certain types of stem cells. Between ethical and religious concerns, not much progress can be made to further our knowledge of this extraordinary cell. Everyone has differing opinions about stem cells and how they are used, but many do not know all the facts. Stem cells have the ability to cure diseases that we never thought to be possible, but we can only get to that point by continuing our research. Stem cells are defined as “unspecialized cells that have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body” (Class Note). They are the cells that specialize into bone, blood, and muscle cells. They can replace damaged or old cells when injected and heal the compromised spot. If we can find a way to regenerate damaged tissues or organs, many fatal illnesses and injuries could be treated, or even cured. They have attracted the attention of the scientific and medical community because of their amazing ability to differentiate into specific cell types. Stem cells have the best possible hope for the future in regenerative medicine. There are two kinds of stem cells; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic...
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...Stem Cell research is a very controversial topic in today’s society. This topic brings up many ethical questions about it is right to do the research or not. Stem cells come from embryos that are only a few days old. The ethical issues that arise are many. If one believes that an embryo is a baby upon fertilization, then one would feel that this was unethical to do the research no matter what the benefits would be. On the other hand, some feel the benefits of what can be learned from stem cell research outweighs the ethical and moral dilemmas that are argued. This long debate brings about many questions about the ethical approaches, that there have been restrictions placed on the research in the lines of what type of embryos can be used for the research. Ethical or not there are always two sides to debate, stem cell research is no different. Throughout this paper I will discuss the ethical issues that stem cell research brings into light and the benefits that stem cell research brings into light that may just outweigh the ethical issues, then determine it these benefits and ethical issues really make stem cell research the most beneficial way to help cure diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or even spinal cord or neck injuries. Argument for Research Stem Cell research can help scientist discover more about human cells and how they grow, change, and replace damaged cells within the body. The information that can be learned is priceless. Using this research...
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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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...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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...Stem Cells For as long as humans exist optimal health will continue to remain necessary for a productive life. As new medical discoveries are made each year humans become healthier, and their life expectancy increases. Stem cell research, a relatively new field, aims to improve and lengthen human life. The possibility that stem cells could cure many long term health problems makes this research beneficial to the human race. The value of stem cells comes from their ability to replicate many times and develop into tissue. Scientists suggest that stem cells have the ability to treat debilitating health problems such as: Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, strokes, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists obtain stem cells from embryos, adult tissue, umbilical cord blood, and bioengineered cells. The major controversy surrounding stem cell research and therapies is due to the fact that embryos are destroyed when harvesting the cells. Embryonic stem cells, also called blastocysts, exist in three to five day old embryos. Destroying embryos brings up ethical concerns for many individuals. Despite this controversy scientists aspire to use embryonic stem cells because they can differentiate into every type of cells, whereas adult stem cells can be differentiated only into the cells, from where they were originated. In order to decide how one feels about stem cell research, one must first decide when life begins. Does life begin the...
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...“Stem cell research must be carried out in an ethical manner in a way that respects the sanctity of human life.” (John Boehner) Stem cell research and its funding have caused enormous controversy over the past decade. Stem cells are pluripotent cells present in all living organisms. These cells can differentiate into any type of cell, including blood cells, nerves, cardiac muscle, and pancreatic islet cells. Despite the enormous economic potential for medical advantage to, controversy surround the sources and methods of acquiring stem cells and the possible improper uses of the knowledge gained from the experimentation with these cells. A great example, is this article I am assessing, “Embryonic stem cell research falls out of favor as scientists...
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...Harvesting Embryonic Stem Cells Harvesting embryonic stem cells can be an argumentative topic with differing opinions. I believe by researching and experimenting on embryonic stem cells, the results can be beneficial to 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...
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... Embryonic stem cells; are they the solution to many diseases plaguing the human race, or are they a vehicle for more pain and suffering? Embryonic stem cells are unspecialized cells derived from the inner cell mass of human embryos that are able to self-renew without differentiating for extended periods of time. This means that they do not become a certain type of cell, that they are totipotent, or capable of giving rise to any of the cell types of the human body. Embryonic stem cells hold the potential to cure diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, cancer, and even spinal cord injuries, along with hundreds of other rare immune system and genetic disorders. There are many moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the research and utilization of embryonic stem cells and stem cell therapy, which has made it a difficult decision on whether or not to sign an executive order to lift the ban of federal funding for additional stem cell research, put in place by former president George W. Bush in 2001. With the signing of this order, it will bring the much needed change that scientists and researchers, doctors and innovators, patients and loved ones alike have been waiting for. We should zealously support any scientist who pursues this type of research, as there are many promising results in this field. “At this moment, the full promise of stem cell research remains unknown, and it should not be overstated, but scientists believe these tiny cells may have...
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...Embryonic stem cell research has been a topic of controversy since the 1980’s when the practice started. Originally this type of research was banned by the federal government, but in 2009 Obama lifted the federal ban and allowed some funding. This type of research has not been accepted by American law or as a common convention. Stem cells have the ability to develop into many different types of cells such as nerve cells, cardiac cells, and liver cells and have regenerate to replace damaged cells. Stem cell research can be so beneficiary to lives and be an extraordinary scientific achievement. The problem is not many people agree. In this type of situation there is no in between the two arguments. Stem cell research should be permitted because...
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...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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...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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...Pushing medicine further Stem cells are cells found in animals and humans. They have the ability to divide and reproduce themselves. They are unspecialized, meaning they do not perform a specific function like muscle cells or nerve cells. But they are also pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to divide and make specialized cells—such as muscle, nerve, or skin cells—and even have the potential to make entire body parts. Some may ask, why haven’t we tried to cultivate this form of medicine? Well, the attention devoted to stem cell research has fluctuated in recent years from being really controversial and not ethical. Well now it’s back and with more evidence and validity. We have progressed recently and found that embryonic stem cells were not the most successful and productive in comparison to adult stem cells, that hold more secrets to be unlocked and more uses. These cells have been proven to have therapeutic benefits, ability to help people with infectious diseases and terminal illnesses and will not be rejected by the body’s defenses. Adult stem cells, not embryonic cells, are the next best form of medicine we have to use to date thanks to much research. Only time can tell where adult stem cells can take us. Adult stem cells can heal the body from ailments with time and apparently, with use of these cells they do the work in enough time. ”In the United States, reports The New England Journal of Medicine, patients suffering from corneal blindness can now see, and...
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...Embryonic Stem Cell Research Almost everyone in the world knows someone who has suffered because of disease. All people whose lives have been devastated by disease have asked or hoped for a cure. What everyone should know is that a cure is possible, but some beliefs are stopping cures from being found. Embryonic stem cell research could provide solutions to medical illnesses that scientists and doctors have been searching for for years. However, certain belief systems argue that an embryo is a person, and destroying an embryo for research is murder. The essential question concerning stem cell research is summed up by this quote from President Bush, “"As I thought through this issue I kept returning to two fundamental questions," Bush stated in an address to the nation. "First, are these frozen embryos human life and therefore something precious to be protected? And second, if they're going to be destroyed anyway, shouldn't they be used for a greater good, for research that has the potential to save and improve other lives?"” (Update: Stem Cell Research). Embryonic stem cell research is a valid, ethical form of medical research that the United States should fund because it has the potential to cure many diseases, an embryo is not equivalent to a human being, the embryos used will be destroyed even without the research, and the United States will fall behind other nations in biomedical research progress. There are many medical problems that can be solved through stem cell...
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