Exploring Stem Cell Research

Exploring Stem Cell Research

Imagine a world where transplants could be done without the sacrifice of another person losing an organ. This world can only exist within the process of stem cell research. In stem cell research there are four different ways to obtain the embryo, some more controversial then the others. The advantages and disadvantages of obtaining these embryos, and stem cell research as a whole, are what many people are comparing. Stem cell research is an extremely controversial topic in the world today, causing the comparison and personal opinions to create an intense debate all over the world.

First, there are fertility clinics that use in-vitro fertilization. During this process, clinics unite more than one egg with sperm. This way, if implanting a fertilized egg does not work the first time, they can try again. This has left thousands of unwanted embryos stored in clinic freezers, therefore, allowing them to be used for stem cell research. Next, aborted fetuses can also be used for stem cell research. Scientists see this as a great way to use these fetuses for a good cause. Then, the idea of cloning was brought up. Many scientists have tried to clone human embryos in order to perform stem cell research. Some of these scientists are in fact successful, and even want to sell their cloned stem cells. Finally, sperm and eggs are mixed specifically to create embryos. This process is usually called “made to order”. Although all the methods are very different, the cells developed turn out to be very similar. Another way of obtaining stem cells is from the use of somatic cell nuclear transfer. This method of fusing cells together and using the nutrients of the eggs is currently being tested on animals. After looking at all the ways to obtain an embryo, one might wonder why they are in such a high demand among scientists.

The ultimate goal of stem cell research is to achieve the humanizing and development of stem cells, the basic cell of the body, allowing it to be reproduced to another part of the body. The advantages are quite obvious, limbs and organs could be grown from scratch in a lab, and then used in transplants or to cure illnesses. All this is possible with the development of a raw material for every kind of human tissue. These raw materials allow treatments for multiple human diseases including diabetes, heart disease, some forms of cancer, and Parkinson's disease.

This research also benefits the study of specific developmental events that cannot be studied directly in a human embryo. Ultimately, this could cause major clinical consequences such as birth defects, infertility and pregnancy loss. A more complete understanding of normal development will allow the prevention or treatment of abnormal human development.

Another advantage is the ability to test millions of potential drugs and medicine, without the use of animal or human testers. This requires a process of simulating the effect the drug has on a specific population of cells. Finally, this would tell if the drug is useful or problematic.

Stem cell research seems to be a great idea so far, yet there are many disadvantages to look at before making your final decision. There are no problems surrounding the method of research. However, the problem lies in the source of the stem cells. Since some of the stem cells are obtained from cells in human embryos or fetuses, it raises many questions about the means being used to obtain them. These ways of obtaining embryos tend to bring up two specific questions, “What is right?” and “What is wrong?”. Also, many problems arise in the "organs black market". The entire process could and has increased the illegal sale of the embryos or fetus by doctors. Stem cell research has also raised many religious and social issues.

The major issue is "Embryo Research vs. Pro-Life Politics". Some people feel this type of “killing” is justified, since the embryos were scheduled to be tossed. On the other hand, those for “Pro-Life Politics” feel it is truly murder because they believe generating tissue from human embryos is never acceptable. If life begins during contraception, using embryonic cells would in fact mean killing a life for the benefit of scientific research.

Those two important questions come up again, “What is right?” and “What is wrong?” My opinion on stem cell research is of course slightly mutual. I am among those who feel that the U.S. federal government is spending our money inappropriately. There are so many other things we need to spend our money on. Although, I agree with the idea that embryonic and adult stem cell research are different, and that embryonic stem cell therapies for human diseases with a genetic component are a long way off in the future. There's no strong scientific reason to eliminate one type of research