Response: Stem cell research, one of the most intriguing issues
in medicine today, continuously makes ethical and political controversies with
new developments. To begin this blog, I would like to describe stem cells and
its types in brief. Then, the blog would focus on the controversies surrounding
the stem cell research followed by my final thoughts. The International Society
for Stem Cell Research, a non-profit organization that promotes stem cell
education and research defines stem cells as the most basic cells for every
body part, from tissues to organs. The most well known stem cells are
embryonic stem (ES) cells. These cells are among the first elements present in
the development of a human being. The second type of stem cell is called a
fetal stem cell. Researchers take these stem cells from aborted fetuses, embryos
of about 7-8 weeks of development. Adult stem cells (ASCs) are found in adults.
They produce new cells to replace old ones, such as blood, liver and nerve
cells.
As we have seen,
stem cells can be embryonic, fetal, or adult. The ethical debate surrounding
stem cell research relates only to embryonic stem cell research. The major
argument proposed by opponents of embryonic stem cell research is that
they categorize it as immoral, unethical and illegal. There is much incongruity
among the major world religions as to the morality of destroying an embryo in
the name of science. As for the proponents of embryonic stem cell research, the
article puts it succinctly as 'Those who argue in favor of stem cell
research fall into two categories. In the first are those who feel that they
must refute the arguments of those who oppose stem cell research. They fail to
take into account that their opponents’ argument depends on the definition of
when life begins, a sacred text that yields no truth because it is potentially
“unknowable.” The second group chooses to reframe the question in terms of
benefit. The criticism of this argument is the moral relativism of choice
between helping many at the expense of a few.'
Overall, the one
point I would like to bring everyone's attention to is the fact that the use of
stem cells in the treatment of numerous conditions and diseases gives hopes
where there was none before. The goal of all medical efforts is to endeavor to
relieve human woe while doing no harm. If scientists can use adult stem cells
in spite of the complications involved, these cells may provide an ethical
alternative (at least a path of least resistance) to embryonic stem
cells.
There is a fine
line between utilizing technology to help cure and prevent disease and that of
using it for selfish purposes. Hence, it is imperious for legislature dealing
with stem cell research to remain current with the ever-evolving technology.
Further reference links:
http://www.wpi.edu/Pubs/E-project/Available/E-project-101907-175209/unrestricted/LindsayGoetzStemCellIQPFinal.pdf
http://www.biotechnologyonline.gov.au/pdf/human/stem_cell_ethics.pdf
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