Is The Issue Of Stem Cell Research Essay - 2140 Words

Is It Our Turn To Be Healed? Stem cell research has become an important part of medical research in the past few years. Embryonic stem cell research is controversial because of the blurred lines in the moral viewpoints of many people. These embryonic stem cells are pure and are easily manipulated to fit any type of cell needed. This is useful in the testing of new drugs and treatments of permanent or incurable diseases such as ALS and MS. Adult stem cells are also useful in research, but they are already specialized which makes them only useful for the type of cell they come from. Stem cells are the basic building blocks of our body; they are the built-in first aid kit that repairs our body after damage has occurred (Freudenrich Watson, 2004). Our body naturally supplies stem cells, but as our body matures, the stem cells do as well. These mature stem cells become specialized to a specific type of tissue and cannot be used for any other place in the body. As we get older, our body produces less of these stem cells, which causes adults to heal less quickly than children. There are four types of stem cells: embryonic, fetal, adult, and induced. Adult stem cells have already been a major resource in medical research. With the use of these stem cells, we have found new treatments and tested new drugs that could eventually be used to cure some of our toughest diseases. Although these cells have already jump-started our research, it is harder to use these stem cells becauseShow MoreRelatedThe Issue Of Stem Cell Research858 Words   |  4 PagesCatholics are absolu tely against embryonic stem cell research. News is already talking about how the Catholics approve for stem cell research but inside of an interview with Catholic News Service Nancy O’Brien wrote: â€Å"Declaring that the stem-cell research does not present a conflict between science and religion, the U.S bishops overwhelmingly approved a statement June 13th calling the use of human embryos in such research â€Å"gravely immoral† and unnecessary† (O’Brien â€Å"Catholic News Service†). As youRead MoreThe Issue Of Stem Cell Research1675 Words   |  7 Pageswas science fiction has become today s science reality. In this age, one can replicate many types of specific cells, such as blood, brain, tissue or muscle cells from a single stem cell. These stem cells, in theory can be used to heal or replace damage cells in our bodies thus curing us of certain diseases. These stem cells are the basic cells to develop any type of organism and its research is not allowed without incredible controversy. As one might imagine, such potential power has been seen as unethicalRead MoreThe Issue Of Stem Cell Research1218 Words   |  5 Pagesbecause of the cells inside us. It’s called stem cell research and it could be the first step in medical revolution where we’ll be able to heal our bodies of any illness. Unfortunately, due to the controversies surrounding stem cell research, the government is unwilling to help and remain neutral with sides. Scientists first discovered stem cells in the early 1980s while experimenting with embryonic stem cells from mice. This later triggered the studies for human embryonic stem cells in the late 1990sRead MoreThe Issue Of Stem Cell Research1240 Words   |  5 Pageswith the proper research into stem cells to treat injury or disease. However, the procedures followed for the research of stem cells have stirred up a hefty amount of controversy in the past and the present. Stem Cell research has been argued to be an ethical choice due to its possibilities for simplified treatments in the future, yet it is controversial due to the destruction of embryos, and the undecided moral status of the embryo, which is why scientists should do their research with non-embryonicRead MoreThe Issue Of Legalizing Stem Cell Research2200 Words   |  9 PagesLegalizing Stem Cell Research Being one of the most exciting and promising fields of medical research, embryonic stem cell research has progressed over the years going more in depth to discover the key to unlock the cure to many diseases. These unique individuals have the ability to copy themselves an unlimited amount of times and can grow into any cell type in the body. Scientists are seeing infinite value in these cells. They are able to further their research on the understanding of human developmentRead MoreThe Issues Surrounding Stem Cell Research1262 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"At its core, this issue forces us to confront fundamental questions about the beginnings of life and the ends of science. It [stem cell research] lies at a difficult moral intersection, juxtaposing the need to protect life in all its phases with the prospect of saving and improving life in all its stages.† George W. Bush in his address at the Bush Ranch in Texas precisely captures the essence of the issues surrounding stem c ells. â€Å"Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the capabilityRead MoreThe Issue Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research1391 Words   |  6 Pagesaccomplish. In order to do this, many believe that embryonic stem cell research could be the key to unlocking a variety of medical problems. However, in the early 2000’s, the United States saw a significant decrease in federal funding available for this research. This could set back the medical advances by years if researchers could not continue their work. A decrease in restrictions while increasing federal funding for embryonic stem cell research is vital for taking steps forward in ethically findingRead MoreLegal Issues Regarding Stem Cell Research1666 Words   |  7 PagesStem Cell Research Legislation and Legal Issues: A stem cell can be described as the primary building block of the human body and have become important because of its ability to develop into a different cell type. Due to this ability to develop into different cell types, scientists have continued to build up ways to use stem cells to renew or repair damaged tissues or organs. As a result of such efforts, its expected that stem cell research can contribute to the discovery of new therapies forRead MoreEthical Issues Surrounding Stem Cell Research4683 Words   |  19 PagesIntroduction Stem cell research, one of the most exciting and controversial ethical issues in medicine today, continuously makes headlines with new developments. This topic concerns medical professionals, scientists, ethics forums, and even politicians, but many people do not know what to conclude from the controversy surrounding it. Dr. Elizabeth Crouch1, a genetics professor of the Biomedical Science Department of Texas A M University, argues that it is vital that students entering medicineRead MoreEthical Issues Brought Forth by Stem Cell Research1016 Words   |  4 Pagespotential cure for cancer? Stem cells are the future, but it may come with a heavy price. The potential benefits of stem cells are unbelievable. Stem cells could save many lives. Imagine not having to worry about organ transplants or having diabetes. But stem cells bring many issues with them too. Is killing embryos ever ok? Should cloning be allowed in stem cell research? This is a very complex topic that changes directio ns every day. Stem cells are unspecialized cells that have the ability to renew