The Pros And Cons Of Stem Cell Controversy

Stem Cell Controversy

Stem cell therapy is a controversial topic that falls on the list of things not to discuss over thanksgiving dinner, very much like religion and politics. While the potential of stem cell research and therapy stand to make leaps of progression in cures for disease like Cancer and Alzheimer’s; Pros, Cons and morality still surround the issue.

You really cant discuss the pros and cons of something without first knowing the topic. Personally I feel that many individual strong stances on this issue are based on myth rather than fact. Stem cells can be obtained from both the skin cells of an adult and also from the embryo after 4 to 5 days of incubation. Embryonic stem cells are where most of the

Because of these high standards, all embryonic cells used for research come from embryos that have been formed for in vitro fertilization. The unused embryos, which are not used for the process, are discarded unless the donor gives explicit consent for their use in stem cell research (CIRM, 2015). Some who oppose stem cell research use scripture (col. 1:16) as a basis against using products of “sin to do good”. (Which is true). This verse only holds weight if you believe that you are ending a life five days after fertilization. I tend to side with Dr. Peter Kraus in this matter. He believes this early in the developmental stages there is nothing for the spirit of god to enter into. You might as well be taking a sample of the placenta, or cord blood (Kraus, 2010). The process of in vitro, which is where the samples come from, is further the product of man (i.e. Scientist) introducing the sperm to the egg. True, what follows after the embryo is introduced to the womb is a gift from god. Is not also a sturdy structure, a gift from god to a carpenter, when it is god who gave him the talent to build it? Lastly, if the stance is based on the topic of what is considered murder, are we not murdering the millions that could be helped with stem cell therapy by doing nothing?

However, I believe the choice is up to the individual receiving treatment to decide the method of their treatment in accordance with their beliefs. I suppose my stance with this is strongly rooted in my acceptance of stem cell research, despite which method is used. While the use of adult cells is less controversial, I do not think they have the capacity to completely replace the use of embryonic stem cells without more testing. Although, I personally am indifferent to where the cells come from, I do not condone effecting an abortion for the sole purpose of stem cell therapy or cloning one child to have the clone just as a lifetime organ donor. I would prefer that the stem cells used for testing be taken from medical waste or otherwise discarded materials. Perhaps one day the stem cells received from adults or the umbilical cord will satisfy all needs and possibly put an end to controversy (NIH,