"Stem cell research is the key to developing cures for degenerative conditions like Parkinson's and motor neuron disease from which I and many others suffer. The fact that the cells may come from embryos is not an objection, because the embryos are going to die anyway." -- Stephen Hawking The phrase “stem cell” calls to mind images of controversy: Pro-life picketers outside abortion and in-vitro fertilization clinics, patients with chronic disabilities waiting on a cure, scientists in a lab experimenting with a petri dish. These cells offer unimaginable opportunities for regenerative medicine because they can retain the ability to differentiate. Stem cells are classified as either adult or embryonic. Embryonic stem cells can reproduce any cell in the body, whereas adult stem cells can only produce somatic cells within their own tissue type. Somatic simply means a cell that is not directly involved in sexual reproduction. What makes research into stem cells exciting is that they can provide a means to regenerate cells in a way that humans cannot accomplish on their own. Spinal cord tissue can be regenerated in paraplegics, giving a new lease on life to war veterans. Mental diseases associated with age such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson's, can be cured. Even entire organs can be reconstructed and implanted into patients that desperately need them, such as in the case of Claudia Castillo, who received a bronchus coated with her own cells. Why then is such a cutting-edge and promising field subject to so much controversy? Because one of the primary sources for stem cells is blastocysts, undeveloped microscopic human offspring only 200 cells large. Generally the opponents of stem cell research are also pro-... ... middle of paper ... ...db0-932e-4bfd-b9ab- 1a874c41df1a %40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=110&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ %3d%3d#db=ulh&AN=J0E381453909605>. Obama, Barack. "Finding a Middle Ground." Vital Speeches of the Day 75.7 (2009): 316-319. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Web. 5 Aug. 2014. . Scott, Christopher Thomas. Stem Cell Now: from the Experiment That Shook the World to the New Politics of Life. New York: Pi, 2006. Print. Thompson, Tanya. "World first as woman gets organ made from stem cells." news.scotsman.com. Johnston Press Digital Publishing, 18 Nov. 2008. Web. 3 Oct. 2014. . Stephen Hawking Quote Web. 3 Oct. 2014. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/stem_cell_research.html#iM2R1JXFolmB71yF.99
In the debate over whether the federal government should fund embryonic stem-cell research (ESCR), our country is being offered a true Faustian bargain. In return for a hoped-for potential - it is no more than that - of deriving desperately desired medical breakthroughs in the treatment of such afflictions as Parkinson's disease, paraplegia, and diabetes, we are being asked to give the nation's imprimatur to reducing human life into a mere natural resource to be exploited and commodified.
In President Barack Obama’s speech of 2009, he issued an executive order which lifted the ban on federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, placed by the President George W. Bush. Obama addresses important factors of why he removed the ban such as keeping innovative scientists in the country and the many future promises the research holds. The president is biased towards the future of using embryonic stem cells in his speech― he strongly supports them and strives to improve research opportunities. However, President Obama does acknowledge the downside effects that this research can bring such as the risk of human cloning and addresses how it will be prevented. This speech will support an embryonic stem cell argumentative essay by demonstrating the benefits this research can bring to the country.
Kaufman, Dan S., and David Prentice. "Embryonic Stem-Cell Research: Experts Debate Pros and Cons." The Survival Doctor. The Survival Doctor, 14 Feb. 2013. Web. 04 May 2014.
Whereas there are many facets of medical research in the world at the present time, one of the more controversial continues to be stem cell research and more specifically, embryonic stem cell research. The percentage of groups and individuals who agree or disagree with this science are roughly equal on both sides of the argument. There are many quarrels within this one area including “should stem cell research be federally funded”, “is embryonic stem cell research ethical”, and “is the outcome of stem cell research worth it”? While there is no right or wrong answer to these questions, since the answer would vary depending on whom you ask, the argument regarding this topic remains quite passionate and heated.
Robertson, J. (2010). Embryo stem cell research: ten years of controversy. Journal Of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 38(2), 191-203. doi:10.1111/j.1748-720X.2010.00479.x
Those who favour stem cell research are optimistic about the continued developments in stem cell research will open doors to many breakthrough discoveries in biomedical science. The scientific and ethical questions arise as rapidly as the reaching of milestones in stem cell research. There are two main types of stem cells, namely embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Adult stem cells are undifferentiated cells in our body. But they have restricted-range of cells that they can further differentiate. On the contrary, embryonic stem cells have the ability to differentiate into nearly two hundred cell types in the human body, called pluripotency. The process of harvesting embryonic stem cells involves destruction of embryos (Mooney, 2009).
On April 28, 2011 - the United States Appeals Court overturned the rule of a federal judge because of several issues that emerged with stem cell research being funded by the government. Although, the science of human embryonic stem cell is in its initial stages - there is much hope for scientific advancement due to the ability for human embryonic stem cells to grow into virtually various kinds of cells Favorably, advocates for stem cell research and pharmaceutical companies strongly believe that stem cells may pave a way to discover new methods of treatment for devastating ailments; such as, Leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease, Heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes- a prospect that is inspiring to both scientists and those who are seeking cures for themselves and family members. In contrast, numerous pro-life advocates are against federal funding for stem cell research because of the method in which these stem cells are extracted. In addition, several other groups argue that the federal government has abandoned more substantial as well as promising and less controversial adult and cord stem cell research. Instead, the government has dedicated a majority of their funding in favor of the more popular and controversial stem research. Ultimately, as long as humans exist - the need for a more extensive and technological progress will be abundant and crucial to humanity's survival. However, does the needs of the human species outweigh the potential lives embryos represent? With so much on the line, let us explore exactly what human embryonic stem cell (HESC) research is and what may be potentially weighing in the balance for the human race if we proceed down this road.
Stem cell research is a big debate in today's society. The argument of whether or not it is morally acceptable has been sparked, as well as court cases and religious and political disputes have begun. Stem cells “can only be obtained by destroying human embryos, nearly every Western legislature had noisy and bitter debates.” (“Is the Great Stem Cell
Monroe, Kristen, et al., eds. Fundamentals of the Stem Cell Debate: The Scientific, Religious, Ethical and Political Issues. Los Angeles/Berkley: University of California Press, 2008. Print
Using an undifferentiated cell and specializing it to repair tissues, cure terminal diseases and disorders in the body is known as Stem Cell Research. Stem Cell Research has the potential to turn the medical field around in many ways; these cells have the potential to save people who suffer from terminal illnesses. Forms of stem cell research began in the 1950’s. Since then, many forms of Stem Cell research began to emerge. Stem Cell Research isn’t limited to any certain area; people around the world are researching Stem Cells, hoping that they can be used for the greater good of the people. With financial help, scientists are able to do more research than ever before, resulting in more discoveries to help maintain the human
Humans experience a pull to nature that is difficult to put into words. This attraction is apparent in numerous aspects of society and is felt by many. Even I wonder how to justify my desire to travel so far simply to spend a day on the beach. Examples of this attraction are not difficult to find. Many people seek vacations in tropical places, real estate near water is extremely expensive, a walk in the woods can be thought of as calming or even peaceful, and National Parks are preserved to allow people to experience the true beauty of nature.
Irrefutable aspects of stem cell research pave the way to a consequential practice, in the same instance, it holds promise for life altering implications. The main focus of debate associated with
Nature is beyond wonder, it’s a sensation of bewilderment, being surrounded by such a marvel that was not man-made fills you with such inspiration. The romanticism in nature is evident in how it’s shown, it’s so natural and fills you with a child-like curiosity to explore. “… induce me to commence this laborious voyage with the joy a child feels when he embarks in a little boat,” (Shelley 2). This quote brings up the joy and
Science can be described as the pursuit of innovation, advancement and opportunity. Stem cells have offered scientists and the world a new doorway to treat diseases and help millions. The major, significant discovery of stem cells is their ability to differentiate into any cell type which can help rebuild damaged organs. One thing for certain is that these cells brought huge controversies over their uses, how scientists should obtain them, and if the embryos should be used at all on the basis that they should be held on the same morals as humans. Although with these monumental issues at hand, researchers have not given up hope that one day these stem cells will be widely accepted and be used for the benefit of the people.
What makes nature beautiful? It was the summer of twenty eleven. My dad and brother and I were preparing for a long awaited trip to the cold, desolate country of Canada. My grandpa has a friend who has a fully furnished log cabin on a peaceful lake in the far north. They invited us to come and stay a week in their humble abode and enjoy some well-needed rest and relaxation, while appreciating the surplus amounts of fishing.