Stem cells are a hot topic for the media today because our understanding of them has potential for incredible scientific advances in the field of biotechnology, yet we struggle because there are questions of morality raised by the methods by which they might be used. While in centuries past, it was commonly accepted within the scientific community to vivisect the mentally insane or criminally convicted for the purpose of scientific knowledge, today religious groups are concerned about the fate of single stem cells being used in experiments. Stem cells have paved the way to cloning and bioengineering of humans, allowing scientists to "bring... A sperm and ovum together to create an embryo, harvesting the cells, and then discarding the embryo." (Celia) The concern for many people is that working with embryonic stem cells especially may somehow he breaching the rights of people and taking science to a point where it is playing god in a dangerous way. Some advocates of stem cell research will argue that any potential rights violation is worth it. "Stem cells can be used in regenerative medicine to replace diseased or damaged tissue..." (Fraer) Most medical problems are related to damage to the body, which means that stem cells may be the key to ending all illness and disease. Perhaps stem cells will actually allow humans to regenerate organs and limbs lost, as well as ending the threat of cancer and other diseases. The concern, however, is that stem cells have the potential to develop into human embryos, and therefore the work that scientists do on these cells may be considered to be human testing. "Are they morally protectable entities, or are they more like other disposable tissues gleaned from the human body?" (Green) However, the choice is clear for many medical professionals that work with patients that are suffering every day, and it seems immoral to prevent this research from being done. The stem cells are not embryos and would never survive to become human children if left alone; stem cells do...
The blastocysts used in research would almost always be thrown away if not used in experiments, as the fertility clinics from which they are obtained simply discard the unneeded cells, and it is better to utilize them instead of wasting them. Does it really make sense to give a clump of eight cells that has no brain more consideration than full grown humans? "Stem cells can be stimulated to develop into a wide range of cell types. This has raised expectations that in the long-term they may prove to be an effective regenerative therapy for a wide range of disorders including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, myocardial infarction, severe burns, and osteoporosis." (Tessa)
stem cell research and its future. The writer explores the history behind the research and then opens the debate on both sides, giving the reader the pros and cons from the vantage points of those who are involved with it. The writer then wraps the whole thing up with a discussion about how stem cell research can be allowed to continue so that the world can reap the benefits
Scientists have been aware of the existence of these stem cells for many years but have only recently realized the potential medical applications of the cells. More than a decade ago, scientists discovered that if the normal connections between the early cellular progeny of the fertilized egg were disrupted, the cells would fall apart into a single cell progeny that could be maintained in a culture. These dissociated cells, otherwise
Discussion Response: Abortion don't think abortion should be ethical dilemma for 'Americans,' but only for the American women contemplating an abortion. No woman (or at least, hardly any woman) considers having an abortion lightly. It is a personal, not a political decision. No government can make a decision that a woman must go through the pain, stress, and emotional and physical trauma of an unwanted pregnancy. But no father can,
Consequently, the underlying concept regarding the two different arguments is the actual point for the beginning of life. Through the application of several ethical theories, stem cell research is unethical because of the following reasons: Respect to All Persons: Based on the utilitarian ethical theory or principle, stem cell research is unethical because it violates the need to respect all individuals and provide the greatest happiness to many people. The emergence
The information gathered in this part of the study will be compiled in a written format and essay form. EXPERTS The second method of research that will be used will be the interview of medical experts in the field. Those that agree to be in the study will be sent questions by email or interviewed by telephone. They will be able to choose the form of participation they want to provide. They
Cloning has been a hot issue in the news media in recent years. Many feel that it is a good idea and that there could be many benefits to mankind. However, there are those who feel that the issue is beyond our human capabilities and that we are playing with fire. There have been many surveys conducted on public opinion concerning the issue. Some of the studies have been
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now